Larry W La Rochelle

Larry W. La Rochelle, 81, born in Bangor, Maine passed away peacefully at his winter home in SWFL with his wife and two daughters by his side on May 10, 2025, at 8:22 pm. He was the son of Dorothy St. Louis La Rochelle.

Larry graduated from Bangor High School in 1961 with a focus on business. He was a known jokester with a mischievous streak and was often found in the hallways of school in "time out". He moved to New York City in 1962 and started his career in Business Management where he met his lifelong friend, Bob Kenny and his wife, Fran. While working full-time, Larry took night classes at Bernard M. Baruch City College, New York.

He met his wife, Victoria (Ladanyi) La Rochelle and they married in 1970. They moved to California in 1973 to be closer to Vicki's brother, Alex, for better opportunities and better weather. Their life together was wonderful and filled with much love and laughter - even the difficult days were eased by their strong partnership. They made lifelong friendships and spent many happy hours cooking and entertaining together. Larry and Vicki were fortunate enough to travel together and with the family. They traveled across all 50 states, took cruises, trips to Europe and several trips to his favorite destination, Hawaii. One highlight was celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary in Kauai with lifelong friends, Jim and Lynne Hayes. Completing his goal of visiting all 50 states brought him great satisfaction. He enjoyed driving on long road trips and taking Vicki on daily adventures. Often including an ice cream stop, all while listening to his favorite 50's songs, Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline and The Beach Boys. A special time of year was celebrating Thanksgiving with his nephews and niece Lawrence, Michael and Chrissy, including trips to Las Vegas and of course, always stopping for coffee milkshakes at The Mad Greek.

He retired from Deloitte and Touche after 30 years and decided to return to Maine. Vicki and Larry worked tirelessly designing and building their cabin on Pushaw lake, with Larry doing all the measurements and plans himself with the assistance of his cousin Ron and Gail Jarvis and many others in the family. While back in Maine he made new friends and reconnected with old friends from his childhood. He was also able to spend more time with his sister, Lin, which made him happy. He was proud of his children and of their accomplishments- Chris (son-in-law) and Jennifer's restaurant, Ebenezers, in Lovell, ME was a favorite place to spend time and Chris ensured he was spoiled with great food and good beer. Diane is a Registered Nurse who lovingly took care of her father in his final months. His family and friends were a priority; he had a deep love for his grandchildren Alexa and Sam and spending summers at the cabin with them was a highlight of his life.

Although he was deathly allergic, he loved all animals, especially his grand dog, Sage. He took pleasure in watching the eagles and loons at the lake and the wild rabbits in Florida. He was a very special man who truly wanted to make people happy and laugh while using his varied talents to help others. He loved laughter, he was the true definition of dad's jokes. He spread his love of life and his happy go lucky spirit to everyone he met. These are just a few memories we are grateful to share and there are many more. To know him was to love him.

He is remembered by his wife, Victoria; daughters Jennifer La Rochelle Lively, son-in-Law Christopher Lively (Alexandra and Samuel); Diane La Rochelle; his sister Lin La Rochelle of Bangor, ME; brother-in-law Alex Ladanyi of Pasadena, CA, who was like a brother to him and many more family and friends.