Joseph Francis Latorre

Joseph F. LaTorre entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, August 13, 2024. The son of John Joseph and Margaret MacDonald LaTorre, Joe was born on March 6, 1943, in Charleston, South Carolina. Joe and his twin, Mike, were proudly enrolled in the first class at Blessed Sacrament Catholic School and attended grades 1-8. Joe graduated from Bishop England High School in 1961, where he played football, ran track and was manager of the basketball team. Joe served as a Letter Carrier for the United States Postal Service for thirteen years, Athletic Director for St. Andrews Parks & Playground and Maintenance Supervisor for Hill-Rom Company, Inc.

Joe was involved in St. Andrews Parks & Playground for over 60 years. As a youth, he participated in baseball, football, boxing and horseshoes. In his adult years, Joe volunteered and coached at St. Andrews. He was honored by the West Ashley Optimist Club with the Friend of Youth Award in 1973. Joe had a reputation as a top umpire in Dixie Youth Baseball and was chosen as a World Series umpire for ten consecutive years and elected to the Dixie Youth National Board. During his time at St. Andrews, he became reacquainted with and married his beautiful wife Sally Runey LaTorre. In 2010, Joe was inducted into the St. Andrews Parks & Playground Hall Of Fame for his many years of service.

Joe assisted Coach Tommy Lavelle for many years as part of the Bishop England High School basketball program. Joe also enjoyed volunteering at Blessed Sacrament Catholic School, where he spent several years working the morning carline and supervising recess. He was always willing to help in any way he could and support his 8 grandchildren in their endeavors. Joe was an active parishioner of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, member of the Knights of Columbus and a weekly adorer of Perpetual Adoration.

Carolina Joe, Mr. Joe, Coach and Papa, as he was affectionately called, will be remembered as a devoted Carolina Gamecock fan, fisherman, shrimper, mentor and loving grandfather to many.

Joe is survived by his children: William M. Runey, Jr. (Cathryne McManus) of Pawtucket, RI, Christine R. Walton (Donnie) of Charleston, John D. Runey (Maureen) of Charleston; grandchildren: Mary Katherine Blakney (Erik), Kimberly A. Runey, William M. Runey, III, Thomas D. Walton (Kylie), Margaret B. Walton, Joseph W. Walton, Shawn D. Runey, Kayla R. Runey and a great-grandchild, Hallie G. Walton. He is also survived by his brother, John J. LaTorre, Jr.; sisters-in-law, Kitty J. LaTorre and Azalia R. LaTorre as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his loving wife, Sally Runey LaTorre; brother, Walter J. LaTorre and twin, Michael A. LaTorre.

The relatives and friends of Joseph F. LaTorre are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church. The Rite of Committal will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive friends between 5:00 and 7:00 PM, Monday evening, at James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Joe’s name to the St. Andrews Parks & Playground scholarship program. Donations can be mailed to 1095 Playground Road, Charleston, SC 29407 or contact the administrative office at (843) 763-4360.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc. (843) 766-1365.