Henry Robert LaRose's Obituary
Henry R. LaRose, 77, of Fort Myers was welcomed to the loving arms of The Lord on Sunday April 2, 2017 after a courageous battle with Lewy-Body Dementia.Henry was born in Hartford, Connecticut on November 14, 1939 to Walter and Irene (O’Reilly) LaRose. Henry grew up with a beloved sister Jean (Leger) and two beloved brothers, Walter and Robert. Together as a family they loved to camp, sing by the fire and play horseshoes.Henry married Judith A. Schlichting on August 26, 1961 at St. Catherine’s Church in Broad Brook, Connecticut. Henry and Judy remained committed and loving partners and raised four beautiful and talented daughters: Judy, Dianne, Nola and Sarah.Henry attended Immaculate Conception Elementary School and graduated from East Windsor High School where he excelled in athletics, particularly in basketball and track. He studied at Central Connecticut State College and Southern Connecticut College where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics.As an employee of the United Stated Geological Survey, Henry rose to the level of Hydrologist in Charge for the Southwest Florida region. In his years with “The Survey”, Henry and Judy lived in Connecticut, Delaware, Colorado and finally moved to Fort Myers, Florida in 1976. He retired from the USGS in Fort Myers in 1994 and spent the next several years travelling across America and Canada with Judy exploring and visiting family and friends.Family was important to Henry his entire life. He was a devoted husband, brother, father, grandfather uncle and friend. He took great pride in providing for his family. Financial security and the promise of an enjoyable retirement for his wife and college education for all four daughters were his constant motivation. Henry was an avid outdoorsman, enjoyed fishing, hiking, biking and canoeing. He was an eager participant in weekly bridge games. More than anything, Henry enjoyed having his friends and family at his home enjoying food, drink and good conversation.Henry had an outstanding sense of humor and positive attitude. Henry made friends very easily his entire life. He would strike up a conversation with strangers anywhere. He loved music and whistled or sang his way through much of life. He loved telling jokes. These qualities helped Henry make life-long friendships that spanned thousands of miles.As much as Henry would appreciate being remembered as a family man, he would be even more fond of being remembered as a good Christian. Henry devoted a good amount of his time to serving Christ through his works on earth. He attended morning mass, served the elderly as a eucharistic minister, sang in the choir, cherished his involvement with the Brothers in Christ, and lived his life in an openly Christian way. Henry was kind, loving, forgiving, and very generous with his time and knowledge. He never shied away from an opportunity to help or teach others.Henry is survived in life by his devoted and loving wife Judy, daughters Judy Boutiette (Robert) of Tennessee, Dianne McFadden (Kevin) of Florida, Nola LaRose (Steve Pawlowski) of Florida, and Sarah LaRose-Holland (Mark Holland) of Minnesota, his sister Jean (Leger), his brother Robert (Robbie), and his many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Henry is also survived by his two grandchildren Lindsey Boutiette and Bryce McFadden. Both held a special place in Henry’s heart.Henry was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Irene (O’Reilly) LaRose, his brother Walter, and his precious infant twins Justine and Jessica.A mass in Henry’s honor will be held at Saint Cecilia Catholic Community on Monday, April 10, 2017 at 10:30 A.M. Friends and family are invited to attend a celebration of Henry’s life at a reception in the Parish Hall immediately following the mass. The church is located at 5632 Sunrise Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33919. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association, Hope Hospice or Saint Cecilia Catholic Community.Henry LaRose created a beautiful and fulfilling life for himself, his wife and his children. He lived confidently and loved openly. He will be as greatly missed as he is greatly loved. To share a story, leave a tribute or to offer condolences to the family at this difficult time please visit Henry’s memorial webpage at www.fortmyersmemorial.com and sign his guestbook.
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