Antonio “AJ” Latona III, 27, of Hackettstown NJ, passed away tragically March 4, 2023  in an automobile accident. The family is both devastated and in shock by his sudden death.

Aj was born March 1, 1996 in Hackettstown, NJ. Aj was a lifetime Hackettstown resident and graduated from Hackettstown High School. Aj enjoyed anything and everything outdoors including four wheeling, dirt biking, fishing, and having giant fire pits in the backyard. Aj was  resilient, hardworking and handy, always willing to help on whatever project was in the driveway. He will always be remembered for his infectious smile and contagious laugh and don’t forget his eyelashes. Everyone was envious of those long beautiful lashes. Everything Aj did was big. He was loud and funny, always trying to make everyone laugh and making his presence known. Aj was always singing and dancing, and according to his Nana, he had rhythm. He was always up for a dare, even though he knew he would end up paying for it, regardless of pain. And let’s not forget how much he could eat in one sitting. He was usually done eating before anyone else even sat down at the table. Aj was the ultimate mamas boy. He would call his mom for everything and ask for advice and approval but usually do the opposite. When he didn’t get the answer he wanted from his mom, he would say, “This is why I always call Brett!”. Brett was his voice of reason and he strived to be a Pearson. Aj played hard but loved harder. He loved playing with his younger brother, nieces and nephews, and especially his beloved daughter Rhea. He was always the biggest kid and biggest teddy bear, giving the best hugs. Aj was just Aj.

“Respect All. Fear None. Love Always.”

Aj was predeceased in death by his grandfather Greg Goble Sr, Uncle Scott & his grandparents Marcia and Gene Pearson. Aj is survived and beyond missed by his parents Danielle and Brett Pearson, his brother Dawson, his sister Shinelle, brother-in-law Ryan, beloved fiance Avery and their precious daughter Rhea Rose, father Antonio Latona Jr, Grandparents (Nana) Peggy and Ed, Uncles Greg, Vince, Todd, Glenn, Scotty and right hand man Jeff; Aunts: Jennifer, Maria, Wina, Crystal, Jen, Shawnee, Jodie, Stephanie & his handpicked sister Sara; Nieces: Lilah, Thalia, Linnaea & Baylie, Nephews: Myles, Julian & Campbell, in addition to many cousins and dear friends.

Friends and family who would like to attend Aj’s Celebration of Life, can join on Sunday March   12th from 2-6pm at the Independence Fire House. 24 Cemetery Road, Great Meadows, NJ, 07838.

Arrangement are under the directions of Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840. For those wishing to leave online condolences, please visit, www.cochranfuneral.com