Albert Americo Latina

Albert Americo Latina, age 85, of Tampa, Florida passed away on Wednesday, August 25, 2021. Albert was born June 14, 1936 in New Britain, Connecticut to his parents, Gaetano (Thomas) and Maria Falletti Latina. He had a brother, Joseph and 2 sisters, Antoinette and Angie.

Al is survived by his grand-daughter Heather DeReus, son Phillip Latina, and daughter Carolyn Latina Dereus.

Albert Latina: “Daddy” to Carolyn and Phil, “Papa” to his granddaughter Heather and many others, “Woodsy Al” to his Wekiva Youth campers.

His love for his family, his community, and his passion for living were evident. His joy for photography, cooking, plants and gardening, music and piano, making a difference in education and those he taught, travel, and making us all laugh will continue as his legacy.

Dad / Papa was passionately involved in Local and State Gardening Associations after his retirement from nearly 40 years of service in his career at the University of South Florida.

If you would like to honor him with a donation to one of the organizations, please see below for how to make a contribution:

Temple Terrace Garden Club

415 Woodmont Ave. Temple Terrace Fl 33617

NOTE: check can be made payable to Temple Terrace Garden Club with a memo notation to honor Al Latina.

===> Dad was an active member since 2003 and quickly became involved in all aspects taking on many leadership roles. In 2009-2011, Al became the first male president of the TTGC and served as District VIII Internet Liaison 2009-2011}

Florida Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc.

1400 S. Denning Drive Winter Park, Fl 32789

Note: please include the following in the memo of check - Wekiva's Building and Maintenance ; to honor Al Latina

===> Wekiva Youth Camp is a huge blessing run by the Florida Federation, and my Dad had the honor to spend multiple summers camping alongside the youth as he held positions in the administration of the program.

*****SUNDAY afternoon 1-3pm ET, Oct 3rd, 2021 ***** Please join us....

A Celebration of our Dad and Papa's Life will take place at Woodmont Park, Temple Terrace Fl 33617. Please save this date to come and share this special time with us. Thanks for everyone's love and support!

Please visit and share your memories and expressions of sympathy at www.blountcurryterraceoaks.com for the Latina family.

***Heather's personal biography of her Papa***

Albert Latina: “Daddy” to Carolyn and Phil, “Papa” to his granddaughter Heather and many others, “Woodsy Al” to his Wekiva Youth campers

Al was a lover of all things nature. He could name every plant and bird in sight. He often nursed back to life flowers for his daughter and granddaughter. Luckily his son acquired his green thumb and will continue to maintain his beautiful garden. Al was actively involved in maintaining Woodmont Park through the Temple Terrace Garden Club. He was known throughout the state of Florida for giving talks on how to grow orchids. His work with the Florida Federation of Garden Club, including his reign as the first male president, kept him extremely busy over the last 8 years and truly defined his dedication to community beautification efforts.

Al was a biologist by training, earning his Bachelors and Masters degrees from FSU where he met his wife, before moving to Tampa and taking a position at USF (before the university had even opened). He worked there throughout his career, retiring after 38 years.

Al was a world traveler, even deciding to take travel agent classes at one point. He valued adventure over possessions and saved up to be able to afford to take his family on magnificent trips.

Al documented his travels through photography, carrying hundreds of rolls of film with him on trips. Some of his pictures have even been documented in travel tour magazines.

Al was a master in the kitchen, especially when it came to making his family-inherited Italian recipes. He regularly prepared meals for gatherings of >100 church members. He made sure his granddaughter learned how to make dough from scratch without a recipe to create the perfect homemade pizza, pasta, and gnocchi.

Singing, dancing, and playing the piano were other talents of his. He especially enjoyed compositions from the Sound of Music. He never shied away from the dance floor and inspired everyone to get up and dance when he went out to do The Twist.

Al’s kindness and generosity lead him to make an impact on everyone and everything he came in contact with. His knack for telling stories and teaching brought him an audience of listeners. His dependability made him an ideal teammate. His personable nature allowed him to make long lasting friendships.

On August 25, 2021, 5 years after his wife Jane Latina began her heavenly life, Al Latina was called home by God. Al lived each day to the fullest and made sure those he loved knew it. He will be missed dearly."