Joseph R. Laterra

Windham: Beloved father, Joseph R. LaTerra, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2009 after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease. He leaves his loving daughter and son-in-law Loren and George Gallian, who never stopped hoping that there would be a cure for his disease. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 57 years, Jane, in 2005. He also leaves his sister-in-law Natalie Mercer, nieces and nephews, Cindy Mont, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Mercer, Paul Mercer, Mr. and Mrs. Victor De Nigris , many grand nieces and nephews. He also leaves his sister-in-law, Maria LaTerra of Willimantic, nieces Christine Lyons and Gina Allen, their husbands Dave and David and their children, niece Karen LaTerra and her family of Saratoga Springs, NY, nephew Richard LaTerra of Norwich, nephew Kim Sprague and his family, Joe's brother and sister-in-law Ivo and Camille Guarco and their children, cousins Mary LaTerra of Baltic and her extended family, Dolly LaTerra of Colchester, her children and grandchildren. Joe also leaves step-grandchildren, Luanne and Charles Savva, Lisa and Kenneth Kraft, both of Southwick, MA, their children, and a great-grandchild as well as many faithful friends and acquaintances. He was predeceased by his parents and step-father, Paolina (Pauline) Shillia La Terra Guarco, Giorgio LaTerra and Dominick Guarco, his infant brother Sam, in-laws, Lucy Hammond Mercer and John Mercer Sr, brothers Saverio LaTerra of Uncasville, John LaTerra of Willimantic, cousins Savvy and John LaTerra of Colchester and Baltic, brothers-in-law Richard , John Jr. and Robert Mercer and Roderick Parent, sisters-in-law Mary C. Parent and Joan Washburn, niece Cheryl Ann Parent, nephew Paul Parent, and many good friends. A devoted communicant of St. Joseph Church for many years, he helped Mom raise contributions. Joe was a WWII Navy veteran, serving on the USS Hancock Aircraft Carrier in the Philippines. He was a member of the Elks Lodge and of the American Legion and was a handsome familiar face in Willimantic for over 50 years. He was very proud of his Sicilian heritage, enjoying his family and his Sunday pasta. He made friends easily, with a happy nature , doted on his wife and daughter and was the best father there was. His last position before he retired was Safety Director at Brand- Rex Wire & Cable Company and its subsidiaries and previously U.S. Plastics Plant Manager in Danielson and Putnam and other manufacturing concerns in Willimantic . Thank you to the wonderful staff at St. Josephs Living Center, who took such tender care of him, my mother, myself and my husband for many years and who I truly believe love us and we them. Burial was private in St. Joseph Cemetery. A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, June 6, 2009 at11AM at St. Joseph Church, 99 Jackson St. Willimantic. Memorial contributions may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Church St. Station, P.O. Box 780, New York, NY 10008-0780 . Arrangements through Potter Funeral Home, Willimantic. For online memorial guestbook, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com .