Norman L. LaRoche

Norman L. “T-Pet” LaRoche, 93, of Westminster, died peacefully Saturday, December 28, 2019, in his residence surrounded by his family.

Born in Gardner, on December 15, 1926, he was the son of the late Leon and Rose (Ducharme) LaRoche. He graduated from Gardner High School with the Class of 1945.

Norman served his country and was a World War II Navy Veteran serving as a Seaman First Class Officer from 1944 to 1946. He received the World War II Victory Medal and American Theatre Medal.

Norman owned and operated LaRoche Brothers Upholstery, of Gardner, for over 45 years until his retirement in 2008. He was a member of Saint Martin’s Church of Otter River, Napoleon Club, Gardner Ski Club, and Scuba Diving Club all of Gardner. Norman enjoyed any sport but especially skiing, golf, and fishing. In high school he was the Northern Worcester County Wrestling Champ. He loved to travel, including Cape Cod and Florida but his greatest enjoyment in life was to be with his family.

Norman leaves his wife of 70 years Rhea (LeBlanc) LaRoche; two sons Richard N. LaRoche and his spouse Kathleen of Summerfield, FL, and John L. LaRoche and his spouse Christine of Winchendon; one daughter Jane G. LaRoche and her spouse Lynn Oski of Westminster; three grandchildren Ryan LaRoche, Patrick LaRoche, and Christian LaRoche; one great grandchild Zoey LaRoche; and several nieces, nephews, cousins.

He was predeceased by one son Roger A. LaRoche; one brother Rene LaRoche; and one grandchild Jordan LaRoche.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, January 2, 2020, from the Boucher Funeral Home Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, with a Mass at Saint Martin’s Church, 248 State Road, Otter River, at 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Notre Dame Cemetery, West Street, Gardner.

Calling Hours will be held Thursday, January 2, 2020, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Summit Elder Care at Leominster, 55 Cinema Blvd., Leominster, MA, 01453. Please reference in memory of Norman L. LaRoche.