John Latoria

John Paul Latoria, 95 yrs, entered eternal life Tuesday, May 25, 2021. Franklin Park, IL born April 19, 1926. He was recently preceded in death by his beloved wife of 70yrs, Lorraine (nee Barry) on Tuesday, May 11, 2021. Over their 70yrs, John and Lorraine made their home in Franklin Park, Forest Lake (Lake Zurich), Wooddale, Spring Hill FL, Elk Grove, Bartlett and Casa San Carlo in Northlake. John was #15 of the 20 born children (11 girls, 9 boys) of Michelangelo and Rosa Latoria (now only survived by youngest son, Benny). The family farmed corn & vegetables in the open land of Franklin Park. John graduated from Mannheim School, developing a love for the trumpet in 3rd grade, and continued playing in band for Leyden High School, Franklin Park, graduating in June 1944. In July 1944, John, additional brothers, classmates & friends were drafted into WW2. Inducted into basic training for the US Army Air Corp at Buckley Field, Denver, CO, he was assigned & trained as tail gunner for the B-17 4-Engine Bomber. He was stationed at various locations including the Japan Occupation. At the end of 1945 he was honorably discharged with rank of Private First Class. Upon returning home John & his brothers entered the construction trade, building many brick houses & factories in Franklin Park & surrounding areas, which are still currently occupied. John married the love of his life, Lorraine, on Feb. 4, 1951. He built their family home on the farm land he once toiled, across the street from the original farm house he was born in. John & Lorraine raised 3 girls, as did his siblings who still resided in the area, and raised their own families. John became a successful General Contractor, well respected in the construction business, as well as owning a car wash & gas station in Bensenville. He served as Franklin Park Building Commissioner in 1966-67 & again in 1986. Always an avid golfer, his favorite pastime, he was twice offered sponsorship to go Pro, but declined due to a young & growing family responsibilities. He golfed well into his late 80’s, & enjoyed sharing his knowledge & skills with others. In his late 60’s-early 80’s he again renewed his beloved trumpet interest, playing with the North Shore New Horizons Band, conducted by founding director Sally W. Bowers. John was a wonderful father and grandfather… a good, honest, fair, proud businessman, treating all with respect. He could also make the best popcorn and all were welcomed at the Sunday dinner table for Grandpa’s Sauce, Spaghetti. He was admired, respected, much loved and will be greatly missed. Adoring husband of 70 yrs to the late Lorraine (nee Barry); beloved dad of Pauline (the late George) Grochowski, Pamela Larsen (former son-in-law Robert) and Patti (Mark) Reinbold; cherished grandpa of Dana, Bethany (Bill), David (Meghan), Rebecca (Anthony), Julie (fiance’ Sean) and great-grandpa to Addysyn and Harper; loving son of the late Michelangelo & Rosa (nee Scavo); dear brother & sister to the late Theresa (Lawrence) Damore, late Lucy (Tony) Quaranta, Margaret (Rocco) Palella, late Angeline (Albert) Dell, late Sarah (Sam) Femali, late Maggie (Dominick) Damore, late Isabelle (Mario) Greco, late Vito (Rose) Latoria, late Mike (Nancy)(former Dorothy) Latoria, late Rocco (Ethel) Latoria, late Joseph (Ann) Latoria, late Frank (Carol) Latoria, late Mary (Joe) Palmisano, late Nick (Theresa) Latoria, late Phil (Bernice) Latoria, late Nancy (Russ) Scurto, late Rose (Jim) Weier, Benny (Vivian) Latoria and late Christina (Bob) Baker; caring uncle to many nieces and nephews. Visitation Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm, with a service at 6:30 pm with honor guard flag & military taps. Countryside Funeral Home, 950 South Bartlett Rd (at Stearns Rd), Bartlett. Masks are optional. Following services, cremation will be private at the Countryside Crematory. His final resting place will be Lakewood Memorial Park, Lake St., Elgin. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.