Donald R. LaRoche

Donald R. LaRoche, 79, a lifelong resident of Sanford, died March 24 in Biddeford after a brief illness.He was born in Sanford on September 2, 1938, one of 8 children to Gedeon and Endrena (Brouillard) LaRoche and was a graduate of St. Ignatius High School.Donald proudly served with the U. S. Marine Corps from 1957 to 1961. He was proud to have been a Marine his entire life and was always a supporter of veterans affairs.On June 20, 1964, he married Irene Vermette at Notre Dame Church in Springvale. They raised a family of four together, spending countless hours supporting the children and their activities, including as a coach to their Little League team. He was a gentle soul who loved his family beyond words.He was employed for many years with General Electric in Somersworth, retiring several years ago.He was a devoted communicant of St. Therse of Lisieux Parish where he served as a Eucharistic minister.An avid outdoorsman, he was a member of the G.E. Rod and Gun Club. He also loved snowblowing in short sleeved shirts.He was predeceased by 4 siblings, Desneige, Robert, Reno and Louise and his stepmother Henrietta.Survivors include his wife of almost 54 years, Irene LaRoche of Sanford, daughter Brenda Bell, her husband Mike and their son Michael, daughter Donna Paterson and her children Calvin, Grace and Emma, sons John LaRoche and Tom LaRoche and his partner Paul Rubino,three brothers, Romeo, Edward and Leo, and two step sisters Julie and Jeannine.A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10:00 AM at St. Therse of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church in Sanford. Burial with military honors will follow at the Southern Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Springvale. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Sanford Vet Center, 628 Main Street, Springvale, ME 04083.Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale. Condolences can be expressed at the Condolences tab on the left.