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Brother Joseph Laquatra
The Labor Movement in general, the Laborers’ District Council of Western Pennsylvania, and Union Local No. 1058 in particular, lost one of our outstanding leaders when Brother Joseph Laquatra died on Christmas Day, 2010. Joe devoted himself full to needs of our members and their families in his many years as an officer in our Union. Joe became President and Business Manager of Local No. 1058 in 1962. In 1986, he was elevated to the position of Laborers’ District Council President and Business Manager, an office he held for 14 years until his retirement. For many years he also served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of our Pension and Welfare Funds, and led efforts which resulted in the creation of our Education and Training Center in Saxonburg. |
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Joe was well known for his warmth, friendliness, good spirits, and endearing personality. As a Union Leader, Joe was tireless in working to negotiate good contracts to improve wages, benefits, and working conditions for our members. In all of these efforts, Joe demonstrated the same grit and determination which exemplified his earlier activities as an extraordinary athlete. He was an All City fullback in high school, but especially excelled in boxing. He was an Army and Golden Gloves Champion, and compiled impressive amateur and professional records in the ring. He was a training partner of former World Champion Ingemar Johanson.
As a Union leader, Joe fought just as hard to better the lives of Laborers and their loved ones. He was also very active in charitable endeavors to aid the less fortunate members of our community. Joe left behind an adoring family, including his wife, Christine, and sons Michael and Joseph, who continue to carry out his work for the Union, and daughters Frances and Lori. They and his numerous friends, as well as his Brothers and Sisters in the Union, will miss him greatly.
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