Leo J. Latona, 91, of Jenkins Township, passed away Wednesday, July 26, 2017 in Wilkes-Barre General Hospital surrounded by his family. Born in Harding on August 30, 1925, he was the son of the late Giuseppe and Concetta (Pardo) Latona.
He attended Harding schools and served in the U.S. Army during World War II, receiving the Purple Heart.
Mr. Latona founded Latona Trucking and Excavating in 1968. He was later joined by his two sons and now the third generation of Leo’s family is a part of the trucking and excavation business, which is ever expanding throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. He stayed active in the business his entire life, working every day until recently.
He was a member of St. Joseph Marello Parish, Pittston. Outside of work, Leo enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family. He will forever be missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Joseph Latona and Sam Latona; sisters, Louise Navarro and Grace Sapparito.
Surviving are his wife of 70 years, Gertrude (Gelso) Latona; sons, Joseph Latona and his wife Elizabeth, Jenkins Township and Charles Latona and his wife Corinne, Jenkins Township; 14 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; brothers, Louis Latona, Lake Worth, Fla and Peter Latona, Pittston; numerous nieces and nephews.
Leo’s family would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Manganiello and Dr. Lombardo for the excellent care they provided to Leo over the years.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, July 29, 2017 at 11:00am in St. Joseph Marello Parish, 237 William Street, Pittston. Private interment will take place in Denison Cemetery, Swoyersville. Friends may call Friday, July 28, 2017 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm and on Saturday, July 29, 2017 from 8:30am-10:30am in St. Joseph Marello Parish Center, Pittston.