Final Salute

Joseph Charles Latona, 75, of Jenkins Twp., passed away Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, in Wilkes-Barre General hospital surrounded by his family.

Joseph was born in Pittston on Oct. 8, 1948, to Leo and Gertrude Latona. Joseph grew up in Pittston. He attended St. Rocco Elementary School until eighth grade and then attended St. John’s High School.

Upon graduating high school, Joseph joined the United States Navy, where he served as part of the U.S. Naval mobile construction battalion five (Seabees) during the Vietnam War.

He inherited a strong work ethic from both of his parents. A major part of his life was the family trucking and excavating business and maintained focus and care on all the countless jobs that he’d worked on. More than anything he valued the friendships of the people he worked with, and their families.

Joseph loved his work, his friends, and family including his seven daughters and 12 grandchildren. When not at work, he could be found watching movies with his wife, dining at one of his many favorite local restaurants, or watching a Penn State or Eagles game.

Joseph was preceded in death by his best friend and father Leo J Latona.

Joseph is survived by his wife of 53 years, Elizabeth Ann Latona; daughters, Trudy & husband John Mahasky; Michelle and her husband, Jason Morgan; Lisa and fiancé, Sean Steele; Jaime; Tina and husband, John Daley; Amy; and Angela and husband, Graham Speace; mother, Gertrude Patricia Latona; brother, Charles John Latona and his wife, Corinne; grandchildren, Bryanna, Mia, Arianna, Elina, Gianna, Mariah, Kaylah, Joseph, Alana, Emilia, Meave and Maison; nephews and nieces, Leo, Matt, Sarah, Joy, Chuckie, Joey and Vincent.

We would like to thank the dedicated doctors at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. The family is, most importantly, thankful for the strength and positivity from his friends and family. The family would also like to thank Dr. Thomas Allardyce for his dedication dear friendship to Joseph.

Viewing will be held in the Cathedral of St. Peter on Thursday from 2-6 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday in the Cathedral of St. Peter, 315 Wyoming Ave., Scranton. Interment will follow in Denison Cemetery, Swoyersville.

Memorial contributions in Joseph’s memory can be made to Cathedral of St. Peter, 315 Wyoming Ave., Scranton.

Arrangements and care entrusted to Savino Traditional Funerals and Cremation Care, West Scranton; Carl J. Savino Jr., supervisor.

To offer a condolence, visit www.westscrantonfunerals.com.

Published by Citizens Voice from Nov. 14 to Nov. 15, 2023.