Franklin James LaRoche

Franklin James LaRoche “Frank” passed away at the age of 74, at his home in Rockledge where he most wanted to be. Frank will lovingly be remembered by high school sweetheart and wife of 50 years, Sandi Stone.

He loved his family more than anything and was the father of Eric LaRoche (Arlona) of Orange Park, FL, Mondae LaRoche-Hott (Chris) of Grass Valley, CA, Melissa Robertson (Bob) of Meridianville, AL, Nancy LaRoche (Robert) of Rockledge, FL, and Joshua LaRoche (Kimberly) of Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Frank is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Drayton, Cory, Brandon, Amber, Alyssa, Makayla, Ellie; Dustin; Gavin, Brooke and Riley, as well as 7 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by beloved nieces and nephews: Bob Evans, Shayne Pounders, Diane and Cheryl Whiteside, Robert, Shane, Curtis, Nathan, Melissa and Lucy LaRoche, Sedona Maniak, (De Marion), Sarah and Aspen Hough, Lauren Falconer and Shea Alevy, as well as his closest sister-in-law, Mitzi Stone-Caudle (David), of San Diego, CA. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Sarah LaRoche, his brother, William, and sister, Yvonne Diane.

Frank was born in Columbia, South Carolina, on October 3, 1948, and grew up in many areas across the country, but settled in Brevard County in 1970 after serving in the U.S. Army. He was a lifelong learner who enjoyed studying about computers, astronomy, Biblical history, and firearms. He enjoyed reading the Bible and studied it from an early age, which helped to develop his love of the Lord. As a teenager, he excelled at surfing, as well as both platform and cliff diving. He was a Master Painter, extremely gifted at his craft, and was named Painter of The Year numerous times, receiving much recognition while employed with The Hill Group of Vero Beach, FL. He creatively finished a puzzle table that was placed in The White House under the George W. Bush administration.

Friends and family will be received at Old St. Mary’s Church (56 Barton Ave, Rockledge, FL) on Monday, January 23, 2023 at 1:30pm. The Celebration of Life will take place immediately following at 2:00pm. A service is also planned at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery at a later date.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wyliebaxleymerrittisland.com for the Laroche family.