Joseph Philip LATONA

LATONA - Joseph Philip April 3, 1944-February 2, 2013, Joseph "Joe" Latona was raised in Cheektowaga, NY (A suburb of Buffalo, NY). He moved to Florida in 1970 after completing his Masters of Science in Education. After teaching Industrial Arts at Piper High School, he transitioned into the insurance industry where he completed his career as Senior Vice President - Risk Consulting with Lockton Companies, Inc. The Latona family has lived in Jacksonville and Pensacola before settling in Plantation, FL in 1980. As a registered Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and Certified Hazard Control Manager (CHCM), Joe travelled extensively both domestically and internationally. Locally, he was selected to be the insurance and safety director of the Dade County Metro-Rail Rapid Transit Project in 1980. He also worked for Sedgwick James, Inc. and Marsh & McLennan Companies handling risk control and claims for the insurance companies. In 1998, Joe was awarded the Distinguished Service to Safety Award from the National Safety Council for his many years of service helping organizations improve safety in their workplace. A lifelong Scouter, Joe raised two Eagle Scouts and was an Assistant Scout Master with Troop 111 at Plantation United Methodist Church. He earned the prestigious Silver Beaver award in 1995, the year following his tenure as Chief of the South Florida Council's Scoutmaster Camporee where he was responsible for moving the annual event from Holiday Park to Markham Park (where it is still held today). Joe is survived by his loving wife, Joanne Paschke; his son, Jason Philip and grandson, Jonathan Patrick of Coconut Creek; his son Justin Powell of Fort Lauderdale; his parents John Matthew & Irene Schultz of Oakland Park; and his uncle Vincent Alphonso Latona of Depew, NY. Memorial Services are planned for Saturday, March 2nd at 2 PM at Plantation United Methodist Church located at 1001 NW 70th Avenue in Plantation, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated on behalf of Joe to Boy Scout Troop 111 - please send c/o Plantation United Methodist Church at address above. Funeral arrangements by TM Ralph Funeral Home (954-587-6888).