Obituary of Norman J. LaRoche

Norman Joseph LaRoche, 77, of Coopersville passed away peacefully on September 28, 2023 at UVM-CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh. Born to the late Joseph and Margaret LaRoche on May 31, 1946 in Champlain, NY, Norman joined the U.S. Army as an Infantry Mortarman (11C) in June, 1963. He served 3 years with HHC 1st Bn 30th Infantry in Germany before his honorable discharge as a non-commissioned officer. In 1968, he married Suzanne Lessard of Montreal, Quebec at St. Gilles Church in Ville de Laval, and they made their home in the town of Champlain (hamlet of Coopersville.) There, they raised two sons, Paul and Eric. Norman worked at Sheridan Ironworks, and later Harris Graphics for many years as a bindery technician. His job took him to plants around the world, and he retired in 2001. Norman was a family man, patriot, outdoorsman and loved community service and helping others. He is survived by the love of his life and wife, Suzanne; his sons Paul (Pauline) of Mays Landing, NJ, and Eric (Sonya), of Orlando, FL.; grandchildren Alexander, Garrett and Catherine LaRoche of Mays Landing, Kobe LaRoche of St. Alban’s, VT, and Caleb LaRoche of Orlando, FL; his brothers Arthur and David LaRoche of Champlain; and sister Madelyn Gamache of Chazy. A Mass in celebration of Norman’s life will be held at St. Joseph’s Church (unheated) in Coopersville November 7th at 11:00 AM, and a reception to follow at the American Legion in Rouses Point. Donations in his memory may be made to the St. Jude’s Children's Research Hospital or Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org).