Obituary of James J. LaRosa

Colonie - James J. LaRosa, 90, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Thursday, February 24, 2011 at St. Peter's Hospice Inn. Born on January 2, 1921, in Yonkers, NY, Jim was the devoted son of Saverio and Maria LaRosa. Jim was a proud graduate of St. John's University. He served his country as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. Jim worked as a Probation Officer in New York City before moving his family to Albany where he then worked for 28 years in the New York State Department of Civil Service, retiring as Supervisor of Investigations. He truly enjoyed his jobs and his colleagues. Jim was well known for his love of all kinds of music, but most especially, opera. His many trips to the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City were often highlighted with meeting his favorite tenor, Luciano Pavarotti. His vast knowledge of music extended from the Sinatra era to present day, helping him to be a frequent contributor of music trivia to WABY. Jim also enjoyed baseball, crossword puzzles, gardening, traveling, bocce, and driving. He passed down his love of the Yankees to his children and grandchildren. Jim had been an active member of Christ Our Light Church and the Italian American Community Center. Jim was always kind, gracious, and respectful to all who were fortunate enough to meet him. He had many friends who enjoyed his company, stories, music, and sense of humor. Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Mary Frances LaRosa; his loving children, James J. LaRosa, MD (Susie), Mary Anne Nolan (Mark), Thomas LaRosa (Madelyn), and Robert LaRosa, ESQ/CPA (Maryanne); cherished grandchildren Cara Calhoun (William), Jonathan LaRosa, Ryan Nolan, PhD (Minh-Ha), Sarah LaRosa, Michelle LaRosa, Anthony LaRosa, Katharine LaRosa, Selina LaRosa, and Christopher LaRosa; precious great-granddaughter, Olivia Calhoun; younger sister, Carrie Geiken (Roger), and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Nicki LaRosa, and sister, Raffaella Daly (Frank). The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Carmen Giuliano, Dr. Thomas Schumacher, Dr. Robert Busch, Dr. Jonathan DeSantis, and all the health professionals from their offices and Hospice. Their extraordinary care and immeasurable compassion were greatly appreciated by Jim and his loved ones. Funeral 9:00 o'clock Monday morning from the Reilly & Son Funeral Home, Colonie and at 10:00 o'clock at Christ Our Light Church, 1 Maria Dr., Loudonville, NY 12211. Interment will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Colonie. Calling hours will be Sunday from 2 - 6 p.m. in the funeral home. For those who wish, contributions may be made to Christ Our Light Church.