John W. "Jack" LaRocco Sr.

Mr. John W. “Jack” LaRocco, age 82, of Utica, passed away on Thursday, November 3, 2011 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center. Born in Utica on June 17, 1929, John was the son of the late James and Mary A. (Pflieger) LaRocco. He was brought up in Utica and attended local schools graduating with the Class of 1947 at T.R. Proctor High School. A veteran of the United States Army, Jack enlisted in October 1948. While in service in Germany, he met Gertrud Wagner and they fell in love. On a winter’s day, December 28, 1952, they were married. The couple relocated to the Utica area in 1968 where they have since resided and shared nearly 59 years together. Following a successful military career which led him to many locations throughout the world, Jack accepted a position with the United States Postal Service as a Maintenance Supervisor, the job from which he retired in 1988. At home, John spent many enjoyable hours at his pastime job of constructing and designing layouts for his model trains. He was a parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Jack is survived by his wife, Gertrud; and his sons, John W. LaRocco, Jr. of Utica, and James M. LaRocco and his special friend, Carol Bishop of Sidney, NY. He also leaves his sister, Anne LaNeve of Utica; his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Fanny Wagner, Hedwig and Franz Pollman, and Johann and Hannalori Wagner, all of Germany. He was predeceased by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Charles R. and Carmelita LaRocco, Edward LaRocco, James “Frank” and Jennie LaRocco, and Joseph LaRocco; his sister and brother-in-law, Virginia M. and Michael Robilotto; and his brother-in-law, George S. LaNeve, Sr. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4-6 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please refrain from floral offerings. Memorial contributions in the form of donations may be made to the St. Joseph Nursing Home or the Steven-Swan Humane Society. Jack’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. at the funeral home immediately upon conclusion of visitation with Rev. Joseph Salerno officiating. Committal prayers and entombment with Military Honors will take place at Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum at the convenience of the family.

John W. "Jack" LaRocco Sr.

June 17, 1929 - November 3, 2011