Dorothy J. (Stratton) Laterza

Mrs. Dorothy J. (Stratton) Laterza, age 79, of Frankfort, passed away on Saturday, August 4, 2012 in the comfort and dignity of her home with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on July 13, 1933, Dorothy was the daughter of the late Charles and Dorothy (DeGeorge) Stratton. She was raised in Utica and graduated locally. On April 30, 1955 she was joined in marriage to Joseph A. Laterza, Sr., the most rewarding journey of their lives; they were devoted to each other for 44 years until Joseph’s passing on August 20, 1999. Dorothy found the joy of life in her family and shared a reciprocal respect and love in her roles as wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. All year round Dorothy enjoyed life and simple pleasures. She savored summer moments spent relaxing on her porch, writing her memoirs and listening to her music. She was an unwavering NY Yankees fan, and especially held high in esteem her “Baby”, # 33 Nick Swisher. In keeping with tradition, she proceeded with great pride and precision in the yearly winter ritual of assembling her expansive Christmas village. She was a parishioner of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Dorothy is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Anne and Kevin Waters of Frankfort; her sons and daughter-in-law, Peter and Laurie Laterza of Frankfort, and Joseph Laterza, Jr. of Frankfort with whom she resided, and his fiancée Audra Grant; her grandchildren, Jason and Cindy Waters, Joshua Waters, Tiffany Laterza, and Martino Laterza; and her great-grandchildren, Connor Waters, and Alexis Waters. Her extended family includes her nephew, Mark Peter and Janet Marriott; sister-in-law; Rosemary Marriott of Utica; many cousins; and her many special friends including Ron and Steven Grant, and Joseph and Kathy Basi. She was predeceased by her brother, Charles Robert “Bob” Stratton. The family would like to express their gratitude to the nurses of 3East of the Allen-Calder Wing at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center for their care and compassion; and the nurses of Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., for their supervision and sensitivity. Visitation will be held Monday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Dorothy’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Tuesday afternoon at 12:00 from the funeral home and at 1:00 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered. Interment will follow graveside in Calvary Cemetery.

Dorothy J. (Stratton) Laterza

July 13, 1933 - August 4, 2012