Richard LaRose Obituary: A Dedicated Public Servant

NASHUA - Richard Joseph LaRose, 73, of Nashua, a well known native of this city, died Friday morning, February 1, 2013 at St. Joseph Hospital. A son of the late Roland and Germaine (Therrien) LaRose, “Dick” was born here on September 30, 1939. He was a graduate of Nashua High School Class of 1958 and attended Bentley College.

Dick was a co-owner of the former Modern Restaurant in Nashua, where he worked with members of his family for 35 years. He later worked for New Hampshire Industrial Suppliers in Nashua for six years. Active in Nashua's government, Mr. LaRose served as Alderman of Ward 2 from 1986 - 1991 and 2004 - 2011; was Ward 2 representative to the New Hampshire State House from 1995 -2001 and served on the Nashua Truck Traffic Committee from 1973 - 1979. He also served three terms on the Joint Special School Building Committee.

Dick was a member of the Nashua Planning Board from 1992-1999 and was recently appointed as the Mayor's representative to the Planning Board. Mr. LaRose served as Vice President and President of the Heart of Nashua Foundation from 1978-1983; served on the Board of Trustees of the Hunt Memorial Building and the Nashua Children's Home; and served on the Board of Directors of the Nashua Chamber of Commerce. Dick was a longtime communicant of St. Christopher Church where he served for many years as a Eucharistic Minister and Acolyte. He held membership in Nashua Lodge 720, Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks for 52 years. On May 15, 1993, Mr. LaRose underwent a successful heart transplant, and this gift of life enabled him to spend nearly 20 more years surrounded by his loving family and to serve his community in several different capacities.

Members of his family include his wife of 45 years, Madeleine P. (Brault) LaRose, whom he married on April 15, 1967; his four children: Elizabeth “Liz” LaRose and her husband Michael C. Dionne of Sharon, NH; Philip C. LaRose of Seattle, WA; Andrea A. LaRose and her wife Jennifer Michalsky of Erlangen, Germany; and Jeremiah V. LaRose of Dover, NH; three brothers: Norman LaRose and his wife Doris of Bonita Springs, FL; David LaRose of Las Vegas, NV; and John LaRose and his wife Nancy of Hudson; a sister, Claire deMontigny of New Smyrna Beach, FL; a sister-in-law, Claire Dionne of Nashua; a brother-in-law, Donald Brault of North Highlands, CA; an aunt, Florence Phaneuf and her husband Leo of Nashua; an uncle, Arthur LaRose of Nashua; also many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Joseph The Worker Church, 777 West Hollis Street, Nashua, Thursday morning at 10 a.m.

Family and friends are invited to gather at the church. Donations may be made in his memory to Brigham & Women's Hospital, Heart Transplant Unit, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115 or to the Nashua Soup Kitchen & Area Shelter, Inc., P.O. Box 3116, Nashua, NH 03061. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneral.com