Gerardo (Jerry) Laterza "The Colonel" , 86, of Bloomfield, New Jersey passed away at home on December 28, 2022. Jerry was born and raised in Newark to the late Luigi and Angelina (Gallucci) Laterza.

Jerry was a Police Officer serving the city of Newark for 31 years before retiring in 1991. After retirement, Jerry would meet with his friends on Bloomfield Avenue at different locations everyday, always stopping at the Belmont Tavern before heading home.

Jerry was predeceased by his wife Frances (Martino) Laterza, sister Josephine (Laterza) Iovino and brother Joseph Laterza.

Jerry is survived by his children Guy Laterza, Vincent Laterza and his wife Maria, Luke Laterza and his wife Millie, Elizabeth Laterza and her husband Carlo Porcaro. Grandchildren; Conor Laterza, Molly Laterza, Vincent Laterza, Maya Laterza, Luke Laterza and Carlo Gerardo Porcaro. He is also survived by his sisters Faye Ricci, Barbara Delisio and her husband Louis and many nieces and nephews.

A mass will be held at a later date yet to be determined. Cremation will be private.