John Salvatore Laterza (“Johnny Mush”) passed away at the age of 74 on Wednesday, August 25 while under hospice care at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx, New York.
John was born in the Bronx on August 2, 1947 to Frank Laterza and Catherine (Nigro) Laterza and was an only child. After graduating from Christopher Columbus High School in 1965, John spent a brief period in the United States Army before becoming an apprentice as a sheet metal worker. John spent the next 40 years as a sheet metal worker and, in the 1980s, owned an ice cream store in the Morris Park section of the Bronx called Candy Cane Park. He enjoyed spending his summers at the Jersey Shore in Bradley Beach, where he eventually retired in 2005. John’s hobbies included fishing, boating, swimming, and horse racing. When not sitting on the beach or at Monmouth Park Racetrack, friends could find John spending weekends in Atlantic City.
John is survived by his children Stefanie Torielli (John Torielli) and Michael Laterza (Peter Di Nuovo), his grandchildren John Torielli, Jr. and Gabriella Torielli, his former wives Carolyn (Cerrato) Laterza and Roxanne (Costa) Laterza, as well as many cousins from both the Nigro and Laterza families.
Visitation will be Sunday, August 29 from 3-8pm and Monday, August 30 from 9:30-10:30am at Joseph A. Lucchese Funeral Home, 726 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, August 30 at 11:00 AM at St. Theresa Church, 2855 St. Theresa Avenue, Bronx. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory can be made to the American Heart Association.
MUSH HERE! Oh how I will miss those words coming from the gravelly voice. Johnny I made a promise long time ago to aunt kitty, and uncle frank that I would keep the good eye on you, and promised I would tip the end, I literally did. The day in February when you called me and wanted to meet up, I made sure that I made my way to Bradley beach to see you and take you to dinner at the place I took your mom once. Piancones, which was a new name. I watched you enjoy your dinner and was so happy to see you. And from that day forward we spoke every single day. I will miss you terribly. Love you Cuz.
Mush became a great friend of ours for many years in Bradley. He came to our house almost everyday and if was meal time he joined us. He joined us for many meals but he never came empty handed He was a generous person and always wanted to contribute. He always talked about his family that he was so proud. We always said a day without mush was a day without sun. We have missed him so much while he was in the hospital and now forever. We loved you and Rest In Peace. God bless you .
You will be missed RIP MUSH … god bless you
We are known as John’s neighbors! John knew and was loved by everyone in Bradley Beach. He loved to talk about his family and grandkids he was so proud of. He spoke of his fond memories of the ice cream shop and stories of his own parents.
He was truly a wonderful neighbor and friend. We so enjoyed his company, and his huge smile. He will be greatly missed! Rest in peace. Prayers to Micheal, Stephanie and family.
Daddy, I don’t even know where to begin. My heart hurts. I know how hard you worked to give Michael and I a good life and for that I am eternally grateful. My only wish is that John and Gabriella had more time with you; more time to make memories like Michael and I have of grandma and grandpa. I hope you know how hard I tried to keep you on this earth just a little longer but I guess it was your time to go. Until we meet again. Love you always and forever.
You’re little girl,
Stefanie
From the short time I’ve known you, you were a loyal, awesome man. It won’t be the same going to work in the morning and not seeing you, and you asking me, “where you working Today Tommy?”.
Rest Easy John, you’re missed already!
Johnny I miss you. We did not see each other much in later years but you were only a
phone call away. I will always treasure our time together. The summers in Palenville
were the best. It is hard to believe you are gone. You have a wonderful family. I will
miss you forever.
Happy Heavenly Birthday Cuz, missing you.