Paul K. LaRose

BARRE - Paul K. LaRose, 87, of Barre, Vt, passed away unexpectedly at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center on April 24, 2024, with family by his side, reunited with his wife Shirley (Lowery) of nearly sixty years. Paul was born on July 2, 1936, in Berlin, VT, to Howard and Irene (Lewis) LaRose. In 1956, he married the love of his life, Shirley, and together they started a family while he also was serving in the Army National Guard. Dad enjoyed operating heavy equipment; however, his true passion was his Architectural Millwork business which he started in 1956. His son Bruce later worked alongside him for nearly 45 years. Retirement was not for Paul. “A day not working, is a wasted day.” His latest endeavor was making cedar strip canoes and paddle boards, all of which were gifted to others. He liked to say, “It’s the quickest way to go into the poorhouse,” making stuff to give away. He was looking forward to having a regatta this summer, still to be held in Paul’s honor. He believed a man’s handshake is as good as his word, no need for a formal contract. Paul enjoyed cooking, smoking meat, and fishing for king salmon in Lake Ontario. He and Shirley enjoyed thirty years on the beautiful shores of Lake Champlain; boating, ice fishing and entertaining family and friends. He was also known for making custom ice rinks on the lake for his grandchildren. Life threw him many blows but even becoming a double amputee never slowed him down, just don’t get in the way of his electric wheelchair. “Slam banging” around won’t be nearly as much fun without you dad. Paul is survived by his seven children, and significate others: Deborah (Charles) LePage, his only son Bruce LaRose, Kathy LaRose Spelman, Christine (Joseph) Sainz, Suzanne (Gary) Jacobs, Joanne LaRose (Patrick Rancourt), and Jennnifer (Peter) Bombard. He also leaves behind his many grandchildren and significant others; Robert (Crystal), Jesse (Wendy), Jenna (Peter), Courtney (Greg), Emily, Steven Jr, Cheyenne, Joseph, Mariah (Dalton), Austin (Autum), Justyn (Ben), Walker, Sage, Cody, Paul, and Molly. Great grandchildren Robyn, Madison, Ainsley, Sebastien, Ezio, Aria, Stephanie, Russell, Leavitt, Ryder and soon to arrive, baby Lennon. Paul leaves behind one sister Shirley Marino, a brother Kenneth Santor, multiple nieces, nephews, and many dear friends. He is predeceased by his parents, stepfather Fredrick Santor, sister Eleanor (Honey) Straw, brothers Larry, Donald, and Lee LaRose, his beloved wife Shirley, and grandson Taylor Jacobs, “My right-hand man.” Paul will be dearly missed. He will always be remembered for his generosity, singing, playing the harmonica, along with the many jokes and stories he loved to tell... keeping most thinking it was real until the very end. We will miss dad’s strength, wit, tenacity, and zest for life. A grave side service will be held at a later date. We love you dad. Arrangements are in the care of Pruneau-Polli Funeral Home, 58 Summer St. in Barre.

Tributes

Paul K. LaRose

July 2, 1936 - April 24, 2024