Gertrude “Gertie” Latona of Jenkins Twp., PA passed away on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at home surrounded by her family. She recently celebrated her 98th birthday.
Born in Pittston on December 11, 1925, Gertie was the daughter of Charles and Rosalie (Giordano) Gelso. She grew up in the Oregon section of Pittston and was a graduate of Pittston High School. Gertie married Leo Latona in 1947 and they had two sons, Joseph and Charles, who were the pride and joy of her life. In 1968, Leo and Gertie founded Latona Trucking and Excavating. They were later joined by their two sons in the family business. While taking care of the bookkeeping for Latona’s, Gertie took a second position at Mister Donut in Pittston which she held for many years. She remained active in the family business throughout her life and was appointed President of Latona Trucking, Inc in 2017 after the passing of her husband. She worked daily in the office until her recent illness.
Gertie was a member of St. Joseph Marello Parish. She was a woman of strong faith and prayed the Rosary daily. She was always a loving and devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Her life brought joy and happiness to everyone she met, especially her beloved children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Gertie was loved and respected by those who were fortunate to know her. Her cooking was exceptional, especially her sauce and meatballs, which brought the family together on many Sundays. She enjoyed her days at the office, spending time with family, entertaining visitors, occasional trips to the casino, word searches, and of course, her scratch-off tickets. Gertie will be remembered for her sound advice, quick wit, strong values, generosity, humility, unwavering strength and most of all, her caring heart. To know Gertie, was to love her.
In addition to her parents, Gertie was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Leo Latona; cherished son, Joseph Latona; brothers; Philip Gelso, Sr., Sam Gelso, Ross Gelso, and Charles Gelso, Jr.; sisters, Grace Scarantino, and Mary Policare.
Gertie is survived by her beloved son, Charles and his wife Corinne Latona; daughter in law, Elizabeth Latona; grandchildren Leo Latona, Matthew Latona, Joy Latona, Charles Latona, Sarah Barber, Joseph Latona, Vincent Latona, Michelle Morgan, Trudy Mahasky, Lisa Latona, Jamie Latona, Tina Daley, Amy Latona, Angela Speace; 26 great-grandchildren; sister, Josephine Giacometti; brother in law, Peter (Dora) Latona; numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Dr. Kevin Musto, Dr. Patricia Ihnat, Dr. Thomas Allardyce, Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Rita Kapson, Amy Lockett, and her granddaughter, Amy Latona, for the exceptional care they provided to Gertie.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude’s Research hospital and mailed to Memorial Giving, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
The family will receive friends and relatives Thursday, January 4, 2024, from 5pm-8pm in St. Joseph Marello Parish Hall, 237 William Street, Pittston. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, January 5, 2024 at 9:30am in St. Joseph Marello Parish. Those attending are asked to go directly to the church. Private interment in Denison Cemetery, Swoyersville.