Joseph "Don" LaRose

Joseph "Don" LaRose, age 92, of Winder, GA passed away on Monday, November 13, 2023. Don was born in Moosup, CT to parents Ovila and Beatrice LaRose on December 14, 1930. Upon graduating high school in 1948 Don enrolled in the United States Air Force. During this time, while serving stationed in Merced, CA, Don met his future wife, Becky. Don and Becky married in 1950 and adopted three sons: Bruce, Willis, and Ronald. From there Don moved his family to Europe for six years before returning to Columbus, OH. He served on the Lockbourne Air Force base for two years before moving Cape Cod (Otis Air Force Base), MA. From there, Don went on an isolated tour to Greenland for a year before relocating to Newfoundland where he spent three years. Don spent the remainder of his military career in Sacramento, CA, going on another isolated tour (this time in Turkey for two years) and then Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland before his retirement in 1969. After retiring from the Air Force, Don moved to Jewett City, CT and began what ended up being a twenty-two-year career with the United States Post Office. Don retired from the Post Office and moved in Lawrenceville in 1992 before moving to Winder in 1998. Throughout his life, Don was very involved in the Catholic Church where he sang in the choir and ministered Eucharist in home to those who couldn’t attend services. Don was also a member of the Knights of Columbus for over twenty-five-years.

In addition to his parents, Don is preceded in passing by his wife, Becky LaRose; sons: Bruce and Ronald LaRose; brother, Ronald (Barbara) LaRose; sister, Lucille “Lou” (Guy) Gignac; and nephew, Bryan Gignac.

Don is survived by his son, Willis LaRose; niece, Lori LaRose; nephews: Paul and Wayne Gignac; twelve grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; and 3 great-great grandchildren.

A visitation for family and friends will be held Saturday, November 18, 2023 from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at Smith Funeral Home, 755 Atlanta Hwy SE, Winder, GA, followed by a funeral service in the Chapel at 11:00 am. The burial will follow in East Shadowlawn Memorial Gardens, 87 Scenic Hwy, Lawrenceville, GA. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the "Burn the Mortgage Fund" at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 25 Wilkins Rd, SW, Winder, GA 30680.