Obituary of Charles Vincent LaRocca

Charles Vincent LaRocca died peacefully but unexpectedly in his sleep early Sunday morning, October 24, 2021. To his family's great sorrow, Chuck died at only 66 years old despite having a lot of life left in him.

Known fondly as Chuck or Charlie—depending how long you knew him—Chuck is survived by his beloved wife, René Klem LaRocca; his loving daughter Virginia (Julia) and son Charlie Jr. (Adrienne); and his two adoring step-grandkids, Theo and Madison.  Brother, Joseph LaRocca.  He is predeceased by his parents, Charles and Mildred LaRocca, and his sister Mary Lou LaRocca Volkmuth (John), who passed away just over a month ago. Chuck was a life-long resident of Rochester, and the connections and impact he made in this town stretch far and wide.

No one can deny that Chuck lit up any room he entered. On some of his busiest days as Vice President of Sales at Regional Distributors, Chuck's fabulous smile (usually accompanied by a little giggle), sparkling eyes, vigorous handshakes, and tight hugs delighted dozens of people as he ventured into the community to do his work. Chuck loved his family and friends fiercely, and that love extended to his Regional colleagues and customers and the work he did with and for them. Of course Chuck's Regional family loved him well, too. It seems everybody has a good memory with or about Chuck.

Chuck was always ready with a quip or a joke, and it was usually a good one; if he didn't make you chuckle at least once when you were in his presence, then you might want to think about lightening up a bit. Chuck was always everyone's right hand man—if you needed help, he knew without you asking and then he showed up and helped, and then he followed up to ask how he could help more. He embodied loyalty and dedication. He was an absolute force.

Chuck added exponentially to his happiness (and satisfaction at checking things off his To Do lists) when he and René found a family cottage on Canandaigua Lake in a community of wonderful people that quickly became his friends. A lifelong non-swimmer, Chuck studied safe boating so he could thoroughly enjoy buying, selling, and driving multiple boats during his four summers of lake life. It must be noted that Chuck's love of things that go started on land with his cars, of which there have been many—including some secret cars that he revealed to his family only when he felt the time was right.

This writing would be incomplete if it didn't mention the many dogs that Chuck loved and that loved him back. If things are as they should be, he's giving lots of scratches and getting lots of snuggles right about now.

Chuck's family is shattered by the loss of such an important and impactful figure in their lives. He will be missed, every day and in every way.

Friends are invited to call at the Harris Funeral Home (570) Kings Highway) on Friday, October 29, 2021 from 4 to 7PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Christ the King church on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at 9:30AM.  Interment will take place at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to The Center for Youth Owen's House Crisis Nursery, 905 Monroe Avenue, Rochester, New York 14620 or https://www.centerforyouth.net/crisis-nurseries/