In Memoriam - Mitchel John LaRocca, Sr.

Mitch LaRocca is the father of Mitch LaRocca, Jr. '73 and Ken LaRocca '76.

Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.

Mitchel John LaRocca, Sr.

Mitchel John La Rocca, Sr., 101 years old of Dallas, TX. died on March 3, 2018. He was born at home to John and Dora Simpkin La Rocca in Cleveland, Ohio.

He married Helen Skuban on May 9th, 1953 in Cleveland and celebrated 57 years of marriage before her death in 2010.

His entrepreneurial spirit led him to many business ventures during his lifetime. Following in the footsteps of his father, he became a barber in his dad's barber shop. He attended two years of college before being drafted for the second World War. He served in the army for approximately two years being honorably discharged to return home to care for his mother after his father's sudden and unexpected death. After closing the family barbershop, he joined with relatives and entered the restaurant business, eventually becoming a founding partner of Wishbone Salad Dressing Company. He later started and managed a commodity futures firm in Dallas, Texas where he worked into his late eighties.

Mitch was an active member of St. Rita Catholic Church where he was involved in several ministries, serving with the Eucharistic Ministry, Nursing Home Outreach program, and Jail Visitation Ministry. In addition, serving with his wife, Helen, as co-coordinator of the RCIA program for numerous years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Helen and 3 sisters, Lillian Chiara, Teresa Sollomi, and

Margie Racila.

He is survived by his daughter Mechelle La Rocca and sons Mitch Jr. and Ken La Rocca, of Dallas, TX. Grandchildren Christina Dannen, her husband Cody of Mooresville, North Carolina, and Kevin La Rocca of Plano, TX. He is also survived by many special nieces and nephews.

Mitch was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He was an excellent role model for his Faith, known for his generosity, kindness, gentle spirit, sense of humor, and love for family and friends. We will miss him beyond what words can express but are joyful for Dad knowing he is in the loving arms of God to whom he was so devoted.

Visitation will be at Restland Memorial Chapel, Dallas from 6:00 – 7:00 pm on Thursday, March 8, 2018 along with a Vigil Service from 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm. A Funeral Mass at St. Rita Catholic Church will be celebrated Friday, March 9, 2018 at 10:00 am with internment at Restland followed by a reception at St. Rita Commons.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that any charitable contributions be made to Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas, Ursuline Academy of Dallas, or a charity of choice.