Edward Gerald Laroe Sr

Edward Gerald LaRoe, Sr., 92, of Ashford, left this life to be with his beloved wife Rosalie, on Wednesday, July 9, 2014. Born in West Boylston, MA on January 18, 1922 to the late Frank and Della LaRoe. Ed lived in Hartford as a child, and that is where he met his loving wife of 61 years. They moved to Ashford in 1959, and that is where together, they raised there eight children. Edward loved his family with all of his being. After their own children were grown, Ed and Rosalie's love for children continued as they took in several foster children. As a mechanic at Capitol Garage in Willimantic for many years, Ed worked to support his family. After a hard day's work at Capitol, Ed would go home to his family and work several more hours in his own garage to see that his family had all that they needed. He was a hard-working, loving man and will be sadly missed by all whose lives he touched. Edward's legacy will live on through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. With great sadness, Edward leaves behind his children, Edward Jr. and his wife Geraldine of Wales, MA; Gerald and his wife Carol of Adairsville, GA; Alan and his wife Sharon of Des Moines, IA; David Sr. of Ashford, CT; Keith of Amston, CT; Karen Slowik and her husband Don of Chaplin, CT; Brian and his life-long partner Mark Page of Marlborough, CT; Craig and his life-long partner Carl Ducharme of Pomfret, CT. Edward was also predeceased by his wife Rosalie, daughter-in-law Jacqueline and daughter-in-law Karen, his sisters Gloria, Priscilla, Florence and Nora, and his brother Lauren. A memorial service will be held at St. Joseph's Church, 99 Jackson Street, Willimantic, CT on Monday, July 14, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. Burial with full military honors will immediately follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Windham, CT. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Ashford Volunteer Fire Department, 46 Westford Road, Ashford, CT 06278.