Arthur G. LaRoche

Arthur (Art) G. LaRoche was born in Woonsocket , R.I. on October 12, 1926. His parents, Roseanna Duval LaRoche and Arthur G. LaRoche were originally from Quebec. Art left high school and joined the Navy during WWII as a SeaBee on March 24, 1944. He served in the Philippines and after the war was in Saipan and later with the Marine Expeditionary Force in China. While with the SeaBees he was assigned to the Fleet Camera Party and was one of the photographers aboard the USS Missouri during the surrender ceremonies. After the war he continued his naval career as a photographer , including three tours as an instructor here at NAS Pensacola. While at the Naval Photo School in San Diego, CA, he met his future wife of 67 years, Bette Strange. They were married at the base chapel on December 31, 1948. He retired as a Chief Petty Officer and continued his career in photography with the US Government Civil Service in the Washington D.C. area. He retired from Civil Service while at the Naval Reconnaissance Center where he was the civilian deputy to the Commanding Officer. In retirement, Art didn’t take it easy, but began a career as a local businessman here in Pensacola with his own photo studio and as a real estate agent as partner in Innerarity Realty. When he finally retired from working he took to RVing with Bette. He also made wine, got his ham radio license, and did woodworking. Art passed away at Covenant Hospice in Pensacola on March 11, 2016. Art is survived by his wife Bette F. LaRoche, son Stephen LaRoche (wife Wanda) of North Carolina, daughter Anita Lagos (husband Jerry, son David, daughter Rebecca) of Pensacola. Also in Pensacola are his sister-in-law Rose Laroche, and niece Elaine Laroche. Services will be held at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Wed. March 23, rosary at 10:30 am, visitation 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, Funeral Mass at 12:00 pm, interment at Barrancas National Cemetery .