Charles Gordon LaRose

South Portland- On October 5th, 2015 The good Lord called Charles Gordon LaRose to his place in heaven. Gordon was born on June 18, 1931, the only child of the late Charles and Sarah LaRose. He graduated from Portland High School in 1949 and enlisted in the United States Navy in 1951 during the Korean War. He served his country for four years, the last two as a Petty Officer 3rd Class in interior communications aboard the USS Mitscher. After his time served in the Navy, Gordon went to work as a roofer for James A. McBraby,eventually owning and operating his own business, Portland Roofing Company, for more than 25 years. After retiring from the roofing business, he spent the next decade working as a security officer at the Portland Museum of Art. Gordon married Marlene Wright in 1961 and together they raised 6 children in South Portland. He never missed a track or cross country meet or any other function his children were involved in. He was a musician as well, playing primarily harmonica and guitar. It was always a treat to hear him sing and play the Irish tunes he so loved. He passed along his musical talent to his children who have enjoyed many happy moments playing and singing with him over the years. He also enjoyed his annual summer trips to Bar Harbor with Marlene, and weekly dinners with his daughter and son-in-law where he would spend countless hours in heated yet friendly political debates. Gordon was known for his quick wit, his charm and sense of humor. Those who knew him well knew that he was a deeply religious man with impeccable values, integrity and honor. He was a hard working man, a devout Catholic, who loved his family, his country and his religion.Gordon was a communicant of Holy Cross Church for over 50 years, and frequented the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conceptionfor the past several years. Gordon is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 54 years, Marlene A. LaRose, his son Charles G. LaRose, Jr., his son Joseph (Sandra) LaRose, his daughter Ann (Faiz) Mohammad, his son Thomas (Amy) LaRose, his son Peter (Laura Jean) LaRose, his son Robert (Melinda) LaRose and seven grandchildren, Arman and Ariana Mohammad, Trevor and Tasja LaRose, Christopher and Samuel LaRose and Benjamin LaRose. The family would like to thank the VNA Hospice of Maine and a special thank you Laura Jean LaRose who helped the family through the final days. Visiting hours will held on Thursday, October 8, 2015 from 4-7pm at the Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. Prayers will be recited onFriday, October 9, 2015at 9:15 at the funeral home followed by a 10:00amMass of Christian Burial at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception,307 Congress Street, Portland, Me. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland. To View Gordons memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ctcrawford.com Those who wish may make memorial contributions in Gordons name to: Hospice of Southern Maine, 180 US Route One, Scarborough, ME 04074