Obituary: Joseph A. ‘Stumpy’ Latella, 59; Longtime West Haven Teacher

WEST HAVEN, CT — (From Porto Funeral Home): Joseph A. Latella (a.k.a. Stumpy), 59, of East Haven, passed away on December 20, 2023 after a brief illness.

He will be remembered as the beloved husband of Janine Milano Latella, and father of Nicole Latella and Ashley Ford. He is also survived by his brother David (Deborah) Latella. Mr. Latella was predeceased by his parents Alfred and Julia O’Connell Latella. His family and friends meant the world to him.

Joseph achieved a master’s degree in physical education from Southern Connecticut State University and went on to be a favored educator in the West Haven school system for over 30 years. He will be cherished forever by family and friends, as well as his thousands of previous students.

Joseph was a talented softball player, and refereed and umpired many sports. He was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and enjoyed playing golf as a member of the Orange Hills Country Club.

Family and friends are invited to a Parlor Service in the PORTO FUNERAL HOME, 234 Foxon Rd. (Rte 80) East Haven Friday morning (Dec. 28) at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery, North Haven. Friends may call THURSDAY from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Porto Funeral Home here.