Joe’s greatest accomplishment in life was the beautiful family he and his beloved wife, Julie, created together. Joe and Julie met as teenagers at a USO show. They went on their first date shortly afterward, and from that day forward, they were inseparable. They shared 65 wonderful years of marriage, building a home together in Warren where they raised their family and created a lifetime of cherished memories. To Joe, their house was more than a home, it was a place filled with love, family, and memories, and he took tremendous pride in making it beautiful.
Joe proudly worked for General Motors for 30 years. He was also one of the original parishioners of St. Malachy Catholic Church in Sterling Heights.
Joe had a lifelong love of cars. He never missed the Woodward Dream Cruise and loved admiring antique and classic cars. He also enjoyed drag racing and was especially proud of the trophies he earned. A talented fixer, Joe could fix just about anything. He was always quick to lend a hand to anyone who needed help. He was also a gifted woodworker and completed much of the beautiful woodwork in his home. He loved looking around at his work and proudly saying how beautiful it was.
Joe enjoyed playing baseball on the union team, Local 909—“the local nine-oh-nine,” as he always called it. He was an avid supporter of his grandchildren and never missed a single one of their sporting events. Their accomplishments brought him tremendous joy.
Joe and Julie loved traveling together, especially their annual trips to Myrtle Beach with their best friends, Carole and the late Arnie. The family also made countless trips to their home “up north” in Petoskey, Michigan, where they enjoyed time together, with Joe often finding his way to the casino. They took numerous road trips across the country, creating memories that their family will treasure forever.
Perhaps Joe’s greatest joy was right in his own backyard. He loved sitting outside with his family, watching and feeding the birds, rabbits, and squirrels. While he and Julie shared an amazing life together, there was no greater happiness for Joe than being at home, surrounded by the beautiful family they had created.
Beloved husband of 65 years to Julie Latorre. Loving dad of Joey Latorre and Tina (Mike) Sapplington. Cherished grandpa of Nick (Andrea), Nathan (Leann), Owen, Quinton, Morgan, and Olivia. Dear great grandpa of Rosie, Dominick, Vincent, Carter, and Brinley. Caring brother of Samuel “Jerry” and the late Norm. Also survived by dear sister-in-law Patty (Danni) Patrona.
Visitation Tuesday, September 1st from 4pm to 8pm with a Eulogy by the family at 7pm at A.H. Peters Funeral Home, 32000 Schoenherr Road, Warren, MI 48088. Joe will lie instate on Wednesday, September 2nd at 10am until time of Funeral Mass at 11am at St. Malachy Catholic Church in Sterling Heights. He will be laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Twp. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
