Raymond LaRocco Passes Away at 78

Raymond LaRocca, 78, of Plainville, passed peacefully on March 20, 2022. He was the beloved husband of Lorraine Thibault LaRocca.

Born in Providence, RI on October 31, 1943, he was the son of the late Angelo and Eleanor (Rosa) LaRocca.

At a very young age, Ray found his passion for all things mechanical through his first erector set. This blossomed into his role as a B-47 Crew Chief while in the US Air Force (1961-1965). Ray went on to achieve the title of ASE Certified Master Mechanic which led him to excel as a race engine builder, chassis fabricator, and pit crew chief at the Seekonk Speedway as well as an accomplished marine mechanic. He earned the title of Charger Division Champion Crew Chief in 1984 with driver and longtime friend David Silvia. Many will tell you that Raymond LaRocca is considered a Legend at “the track.”

Even after retirement, Ray thoroughly enjoyed sharing his amazing skills as a mechanic with family, friends, and neighbors. Ray also loved to ride his Harley and later, he transitioned to a Ural sidecar to better accommodate his loving wife, Lorraine. You may have seen them riding up and down 95, anywhere from RI to Maine. Ray had a passion for music and played the drums in a rock band at the Merrill Lounge (in addition to his own living room). If it wasn’t the drums, he was playing the banjo, bongos, bells, or singing along to the tune with family. His other passions included cooking (some knew him as the pizza man), helping friends in any way he could, and spending quality time with loved ones. Ray loved to give back to the community and joined the American Legion where he became Treasurer. He is also an important part of St. Martha’s Parish Knights of Columbus Charter as a Fourth Degree Member.

Ray never ceased to put a smile on a face and created such meaningful relationships with everyone he met, including the Oncology team of care at the VA hospital in Providence as well as his Hospice care friends. His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of many who knew and loved him.

In addition to his loving wife, Raymond is survived by his children, Raymond LaRocca of Strafford, NH, Kristie LaRocca of Sanford, ME, Karen Shannon of Warwick, RI, Sherry Courtemanche of West Warwick, RI, Angela LaRocca of Foster, RI, and Nancy Beaudreau of Coventry, RI. Stepsons Gary Thibault of Natick, MA, Mike Thibault of Attleboro, MA, and the late David Thibault of Attleboro, MA. He was the cherished Grandfather and Step Grandfather to 10 and Great Grandfather and Step Great Grandfather to 9 as well as a cherished uncle to many nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his sister Judith LaRocca Carusi of Barrington, RI, and brother David LaRocca of Pelham, AL. His Uncle Billy Rosa of Johnston, RI, Aunt Mary Rosa of East Providence, RI, and brother-in-law Albert Renaud.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation from 4PM-7:30PM Friday, March 25, 2022, in the RJ Ross Funeral Home, 135 South Street, Wrentham MA 02093. A funeral service and mass will be held at 10:30AM Saturday, March 26, 2022, at St Martha’s Parish, 227 South Street Plainville, MA 02762. A burial will follow at Plainville Cemetery, W. Bacon Street, Plainville, MA 02762.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to a local Veterans foundation of your choice.