Joseph Latella

Joseph “Joey All Heart” Latella, 87, passed away, with his loving family by his side, on Monday, April 12, 2021, at the Siegenthaler Center of Hospice and Palliative Care.

He was born in Utica, January 30, 1934, a son of the late Paul and Angeline (Arcuri) Latella. He was educated at Brandagee Elementary School and was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. On May 21, 1960, Joe was joined in marriage to the former Rosemary Long. Rosemary and Joe shared a marriage filled with love and devotion to each other for almost sixty-one years.

Joe’s life revolved around four things, family first (especially Rosemary), his work, boxing, and horseracing. 

A skilled heavy equipment operator, Joe, along with his brother, Phil, started Utica Excavating Co., in 1958. He worked alongside his brother, Phil, sister-in-law, Alice, and nephews, Phil and Mike. Joe and Phil retired from the business in 1993. He was a member of the Machine Operators Union for over fifty years.

As a young man, Joe was trained as a boxer and was a Golden Gloves lightweight champion in 1954 and 1955, eventually fighting in the Olympic Trials in Boston. He went on to train many fighters, was a longtime referee for amateur fights, and was a member of the USA Boxing Association.

Later in life, Joe had a passion for Standardbred horseracing at Vernon Downs and owned and trained nearly 30 horses during a thirty-five year period. Joe and Rosemary and the family enjoyed many successful race nights in that time. He had many great horses, most notably, “Mini Grattan” which earned Claimer of the Year.

Joe also loved to play cards, was an excellent Gin player, and always enjoyed shooting Craps.

Joe was also a member of the US Trotting Association, Harness Horse Association of Central NY, and the Knights of Columbus.

A special man, with a great sense of humor, he will be forever missed.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Rosemary; his five children, Lori and Mark Kellogg, Joseph and Lynn Latella, Joanne and Joe Kelly, Sandra and Patrick Malloy, and Paolo and Donna Latella; beloved grandchildren, Alaina Latella, Cameron and Caprice Kellogg, Joseph and Zachary Latella, Clarisa, Monica, and Joseph Kelly, and Cole Malloy; one sister, Lucy (Thomas) Radominski; brothers-in-law, Robert (Adele) and Richard (Gloria) Long; and also many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his sisters, Antonina and Rose Latella;  brothers, John (Ivonne), Philip (Alice), and Paul Latella; brothers-in-law, Ken (Betty) Long and Donald (Roseanne) Long; and longtime friends, Nicky, Pat, Louie and Victor.

Relatives and friends may call on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m., at The Matt Funeral Home, 700 Rutger St., Utica. Messages on The Matt Funeral Home website are of great comfort to the family.

His Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, at 11 a.m., at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. (Please refer to Matt Funeral Home website for livestreaming info). Private entombment will be in Calvary Mausoleum.

In memory of Joseph Latella, please consider donations to Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. at hospicecareinc.org or the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org

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