Obituary of Antonio Laterza

Antonio Laterza, 94, of Manalapan, passed away on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. Antonio was born in Mola di Bari, Italy and moved to the United States in 1957.  He was employed as an Elevator Mechanic for Marcato Elevator Co. for 34 years and a loyal member of Local Union #3 IBEW in Flushing, NY. He married his wife, Angela Colonna, in 1958. Together they lived and built their family in Brooklyn, NY and relocated to Manalapan, NJ in 2006.

In his free time and well into his retirement, Antonio spent his time tending to his garden, growing various flowers and vegetables, and providing an abundance of tomatoes, banana peppers, and his famous string beans (just to name a few) to family, friends and neighbors. One of his proudest traditions was canning homemade tomato sauce with his family every year, a custom that will continue to pass on through generations. He took pride in taking care of his home, regularly polishing his counters and floors, and tinkering about in his garage and basement. He would create various useful tools and gadgets he could use to fix anything one could imagine.

Away from home, Antonio loved being near the water, specifically the ocean. As a young man in Italy, he worked on various fishing boats, venturing to surrounding countries and even living in Israel for several years. He would continue his love for fishing and passionately enjoy seafood well into his later years. He also loved just taking a stroll along the beach or enjoying the boardwalk, which would of course include a stop for ice cream for which he enjoyed so much. Not far behind ice cream was his love for chocolate, European and Hershey’s alike as well as french fries. An avid fan of The New York Rangers and New York Yankees, Antonio loved to support his teams in victory and scorn them in defeat; but he was a loyal fan even in his final years. Antonio truly adored spending time with his family and would gleam in sharing his numerous passions with his grandchildren. He was extraordinarily kind, warm, and joyful, and was loved by anyone he came across.

Antonio was predeceased by his parents Beniamino and Maria Teresa Laterza; his loving spouse Angela Laterza; brothers Vito Laterza, Domenico Laterza, Cesario Laterza and sister Angela Pagliarulo.  He is survived by his daughters Maria Teresa (husband Jerry) Maffia and Giulia Laterza; son Beniamino Laterza (wife Francine); brother-in-law Saverio Giammarusco and grandchildren Angela Maffia, Joseph Maffia, Liana Maffia, Gina Maffia, Anthony Laterza and Matteo Laterza and many nieces and nephews.

Friends and family are invited to visit on Sunday, September 8^th, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, at Freeman Manalapan Marlboro Funeral Home, 344 Route 9 North.  A funeral liturgy will be held at St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church in Manalapan, NJ on Monday at 9:45 AM. Entombment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Staten Island, NY. To leave a condolence or find directions, visit www.freemanfuneralhomes.com.