Joseph LaTorre

Joseph was born on August 29, 1925 in the lower east side of New York City to Maria and Salvatore LaTorre; and three brothers: Dominick, Ignazio and Salvatore who predeceased him.

An avid and talented baseball player, Joseph once tried out for both the Yankees and the Giants as a catcher. He worked as an electrician at the world famous Plaza Hotel from 1942 to 1959; stepping away for 33 months to fight for his country in the Battle of the Bulge, where he was wounded in combat and eventually achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. Returning to his job, Joseph was later immortalized as “Joe the Electrician”in the famous series of children’s books, Eloise at the Plaza.

In 1948, Joseph met and married the love of his life, Sarina D’Amico, in the Bronx. They would be together for 67 years and one day. Moving to Long Island, Joseph began a career as a milk route and dairy salesman to the most affluent areas of New York. In 2002, Joe and his wife moved to the Julington Creek area outside of Jacksonville, FL, where he resided happily for the rest of his days.

Joseph LaTorre is survived by his bride, Sarina; his loving children, Marie and Billy; his five grandchildren, Christopher, Amanda, Charlie, Sarina, and Billy Jr; and his seven great grandchildren, Marissa, Macy, Robert, Michael, Cooper, Riley, and Julia.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Community Hospice Foundation, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257; support.communityhospice.com or call 904.886.3883.