Edward A. LaRocca

Edward LaRocca, 91, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2017 at Jersey Shore Medical Center with his loving daughter and son-in-law at his side. He was born in Elizabeth, NJ, living there for 39 years where he met, fell in love with, and married the girl next door before they moved to Eatontown, NJ in 1965. Edward was a proud veteran, serving in the US Army-Air Corps during World War II. He later was employed at the Army Signal School, Fort Monmouth. After his retirement in 1988, he worked various contract jobs with SATCOM and CECOM. He was an active member of his church, both St. Anthony’s in Elizabeth and St. Dorothea’s, Eatontown, where he served as head usher for the Noon Sunday Mass for over 40 years. He was a charter member of The Rev. James. B. Coyle Council 12620 Knights of Columbus and a member of the Fourth Degree Bishop McFaul Assembly 646. Edward was a long-time fan of the NY Yankees, never missing a game on TV. A long-time patron of the All Seasons Diner, he was a regular on Sundays after attending Mass. Edward loved listening to the Italian tenors and would play the songs so loud his wife, Ann, would yell at him to turn it down. He enjoyed seeing Il Volo at Radio City Music Hall in March. He had a special way with all animals; they loved him, always greeting him full of excitement and ready to play. He spent many summers vacationing in Seaside with his wife, daughter, siblings, nieces and nephews. He took many trips to Atlantic City with his wife, Ann. He loved visiting Disney World with his family, enjoying seeing the excitement in the eyes of his grandchildren, whom lovingly called him Dee Dad. He always had a gentle and caring demeanor and never an unkind word to anyone. His favorite moments were those spent with his family. Predeceased by his wife of 66 years, Ann (Urso) LaRocca, his parents Vito and Rosalie (Nocera) LaRocca; his brothers Louis LaRocco, Nat LaRocca; and sister Anna Tito; Edward is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Debra and Gary Seals; his sister, Nikki ‘Dolly’ Greco; his sister-in-law and her husband, Lillian and Anthony Papetti; his granddaughter, Danielle Seals; his granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Melissa and Seth Mednick; three great-grandchildren, Cibella Tvrdik, Luca Tvrdik, and Faith Mednick; a grandpuppy, Agent Gibbs; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, August 24, 2017 from 4:00 until 8:00pm at Bongarzone Funeral Home, 2400 Shafto Road, Tinton Falls. A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate his life will take place at 10:00am on Friday, August 25, 2017 at St. Dorothea’s Church, 240 Broad St., Eatontown with internment to follow at Woodbine Cemetery in Oceanport, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Edward LaRocca’s memory to Send a Soldier Home for the Holidays, a program initiative that sends NJ-stationed soldiers home to celebrate the holidays with their families. Knights of Columbus Council 12620,240 Broad Street,Eatontown, NJ 07724 ATTN: Send a Soldier Home Checks payable to: K of C Council 12620 Charity Memo: Send a Soldier Home

Edward A. LaRocca

May 23, 1926 - August 20, 2017