Anthony Fausto LaRatta

Anthony “Tony” LaRatta, 43, of St. Joseph, MI passed away Monday, March 21, 2016 at his home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, April 2, 2016 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorial contributions may be made to Save-A-Stray of St. Joseph or online at www.save-a-stray.org.  Those wishing to sign Tony’s guestbook may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com. Tony was born March 5, 1973 in Benton Harbor, MI to John, Sr. and Ellen May (Alexander) LaRatta, the youngest of three boys. He married the love of his life, Gina Heintz on July 17, 2000 in Riverside, MI and together they raised their daughter Sabrina.  He was a very involved father and loved spending time with his family and friends. A man with a true entrepreneurial spirit, Tony owned and operated several local businesses including “Odds-n-Ends” at the Orchards Mall and most recently Advance Auto Repair in Benton Harbor.  In his free time he enjoyed tinkering with computers and playing pool, including several years of league play at various local establishments. Tony is survived by his wife Gina; daughter Sabrina; brothers John, Jr. (Carol) LaRatta of Watervliet and Michael LaRatta of Hartford; mother-in-law Debra (Mike) Sulen of Fresno, CA; sisters-in-law Eva (Scott) Houghton of Tyler, TX and Leah (Costin) Jordache of Fresno, CA; nephews and nieces John III, Nicole, Brianna, Elainey, Allison LaRatta, Toby Houghton, and Roman and Lance Jordache; as well as numerous extended family and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.