Joseph LaRochelle

Joseph "Tucker" A. LaRochelle, age 87, joined his Lord and Savior at home on November 23, 2025 with his loving family by his side.

Joe was born on June 14, 1938, in Tupper Lake, NY to the late Albert and Emily (Poirier) LaRochelle. At the young age of 12 Joe found himself on his own. He foraged for food in the woods around his family's home for a short while and soon decided to make the journey to Utica, NY. He attained a job at Frank's Coalyard on Conkling Ave. where he was able to make a shed his home. One faithful summer day while Joe was taking a break, a call came from across the street, “Hey don’t sit over there all alone. Come on over.“ That call came from what turned out to be Joe‘s best childhood friend, Douglas DeMarche, and forever changed the course of many people’s lives. You see, sitting next to young Douglas was his older sister, Lonna Lou. Lonna would later call Joe “The very best girlfriend she had ever had.”

Joseph joined the United States Air Force at 17 and became an airplane mechanic. While on leave Joe returned to Conkling Avenue where he proposed to Lonna. She declined due to a previous engagement. Joe, while in Georgia met Brenda Jane Miller and fell in love. Soon they were wed. Their son, Michael Albert, came a year later. Tucker and Brenda were thrilled with their burgeoning family.

Joe was discharged with honors when his tour was complete. He remained a patriot and a proud veteran throughout his life. Tucker then moved his young family to New England for a job and soon, son Lawrence Joseph, joined the family. A better job came available near Brenda’s family in Georgia and Joe moved to Gainesville. Brenda and Tucker welcomed David Anthony to their now complete family of five. Sadly, son Larry passed away at a very young age.

Always being drawn to South Florida, Joe and Brenda moved their family to Hollywood, FL. He loved the weather and the geography. Joe found a home there. This is when Joe decided his daily leisure attire would be a t-shirt, shorts, flip flops and a bucket hat.

Joe took a job at B&W Diesel as a mechanic where his talents did shine. He specialized in transmissions. His motivation, talent and grit soon earned him a second and then a third bay. He kept each bay filled daily. He generated so much work that his boss paid Joe based on “book hours.” His pay was triple and quadruple than that of his peers. He worked on the jobs that he had generated himself on the weekends. He blessed many people with his ability to diagnose any engine, offering a helping hand to anyone and everyone in need.

To Joe’s delight, son David, following in his footsteps, joined him at B&W. They worked side by side throughout the rest of their time in Florida. While driving back and forth to work, they developed their business plan for their own shop. Tucker repeatedly and fondly remembered those days with pride and happiness throughout his life.

Brenda became ill with cancer, and Joe felt it prudent to move her back to her family’s hometown. Brenda fought a great battle with son, Michael, being especially devoted to her care and comfort. Sadly, Brenda succumbed to the cancer and she passed, devastating the family.

One night Tucker decided to catch up with his childhood best friend Doug. A while into the conversation Doug mentioned that Lonna was single and had been for 15 yrs and that Joe should give her a call. Tucker called. Around a month later after close to a 100 hours of phone conversation, Joe decided to go north to see his mother and visit with Lonna. Three days later, he proposed and to his delight this time Lonna accepted. They were wedded in holy matrimony a week later on August 23, 1999. A blessed union of 27 years. Devoted to God, and to each other, they lived a happy, peaceful and content life continuing to his last breath. Their love and commitment were a beacon to those that knew them.

Tucker was an optimist, believing there is an answer to most questions. “With patience, a lever and a pulley a man can move just about anything.” His youthful inquisitive spirit will be remembered by all who knew him. His smile spoke volumes.

Tucker is survived by his loving wife, Lonna Lou DeMarche LaRochelle; his sons, Michael LaRochelle, and David and Karen LaRochelle, Douglas and Sue Bamford, and Henry Stanton; his grandchildren, Audrey LaRochelle, Jesse Brooks, Irene Brooks, Kayla (Stanton) Donnenwirth, Anastasia (Bamford) Rath, and Luke Bamford; great grandchildren numbering 13; one great, great grandchild; and his sister, Gina LaRochelle. In addition to his son, Lawrence, and first wife, Brenda, he was predeceased by his brother, Raoul LaRochelle; and sisters, Emily and Elsie LaRochelle.

Joseph’s memorial service was held on Friday, November 28, at 1 PM, at the Crosspoint Church, 317 Oriskany Blvd. Whitesboro, NY 13492.

Memorial contributions in Tucker's name may be made to the Valor Program at the Syracuse VA.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street, Rome.