Hoosick Falls – Leo T. LaRoche, 91, passed away on Monday, January 27, 2014, at his residence on Carey Avenue in Hoosick Falls, NY. He was the husband of the late Dorothy (Crowley) LaRoche, who died on February 10, 2012. They were married on November 28, 1940.
Born on November 20, 1922, in Bennington, VT, Leo was the son of the late Joseph and Irene (Betit) LaRoche. He attended school in Bennington. While attending school he worked at Evan’s News and at the bowling alley setting pins. Leo was drafted on February 10, 1942, into the United States Air Force. While serving with the ground crews in France and Holland, he loaded bombs and fused them. Leo also served with the 671st Bomb Squadron, 9th Air Force, until being discharged on October 17, 1945.
After returning from the war Leo was employed at Hoosick Falls Lumber. He also co-owned, with Arthur Surdam, L&S Lumber Company, worked at Harrison Vending, tended bar in Petersburgh, NY, worked at the Wood Flong and then worked at Oak Materials, both in Hoosick Falls, until retiring in 1984. He enjoyed woodworking after retiring.
Leo was a 61-year member of the Hoosick Falls Elks, a 65-year member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, a 68-year member of the American Legion and a lifetime member of the St. Stanislaw Society, all in Hoosick Falls.
Leo and Leo Jr. travelled across the country this past summer stopping at Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, Denver and Mt. Rushmore.
Survivors include his daughter, Mary and husband Paul Haynes, and his son, Leo T. LaRoche and wife Elizabeth, all of Hoosick Falls, his son Michael LaRoche of Queensbury, NY, his brothers, Robert, Richard, Andre and Paul LaRoche, six grandchildren, Paul, Christopher and Kathryn Haynes, Matthew, Michael and Jay LaRoche, and three great-grandchildren, Carter, Lucy and Jessica Haynes. Leo is pre-deceased by a brother, Francis, and sisters, Martina Maloney and Claire Regini.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, February 1, at 10 am from the Immaculate Conception Church on Main Street in Hoosick Falls. Burial with Military Honors will follow the Mass at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Hoosick Falls.
Relatives and friends may call at the Mahar Funeral Home, 43 Main Street in Hoosick Falls, NY, 12090, on Friday from 4 to 7 pm. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation through the funeral home.