Ernest Roger LaRose, 94, of Hartford, Newington, and Largo Florida died November 6, 2019. He was born in Fall River, Massachusetts. Ernie leaves behind his loving wife Rita, 3 sons, David LaRose, Michael LaRose and wife Kim, John LaRose and wife Emilie, and 2 daughters, Doreen LaRose Madama and husband Ron, and Rochelle LaRose Buchanan and husband Phil. He also leaves behind 7 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
At age 18 he enlisted in the Army Air Corp and served during WWII from 1943-1946. He was a Ball Turret Gunner in a B-17 stationed out of Italy in the 15th Air Force. In 1947 he returned home and married the love of his life, Rita Quirion. They were married 72 years. While living in Hartford he was a Hartford Firefighter for 30+ years before retiring. He then went on to take a position as Post Master General at Trinity College in Hartford for several years. He was very involved in the community as a volunteer at the Newington VA Hospital, a member of the Governor’s Foot Guard, and various softball teams. While working at Trinity College he coached the first Women’s Volleyball Team. He was an avid golfer and partnered with his good friend John LaChance. He also volunteered at the Traveler’s Championship Golf Tournament. Ernie and Rita were lifelong dancers and loved ballroom dancing, line dancing, and were members of Square Dance Clubs in both Connecticut and Florida. Once completely retired, they moved to Largo, Florida where Ernie continued to volunteer in his community at the Bay Pines VA Hospital, the American Legion Post 273 in Madeira Beach as a member of the Honor Guard, singing in his church choir, and the Florida Suncoast Chorus. He also continued his love of sports joining the Kids and Kubs Softball Team (for players 75 or older), the Senior Olympic Volleyball Team, and more dancing.
The hours for visitation will be held on Saturday, November 16th from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at the New Britain Memorial Donald D. Sagarino Funeral Home, 444 Farmington Ave., New Britain, CT 06053. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, November 16th at the Annunciation Parish, Saint Mary Church, 626 Willard Ave, Newington at 11:30 AM. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Mount Saint Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield.
