PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Leo Francis LaRoche, 90, of 79 Maplewood Ave. passed away peacefully at Hillcrest Commons on February 1, 2017, where he had been a resident for the past year. 

Born in Adams on October 26, 1926, the son of the late Delphis and Anna Gamache LaRoche, he was educated in Adams schools. He served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII and was honorably discharged on December 1, 1946. 

Leo was employed by the General Electric Company for 38 years, from 1947 to 1982 as a missile machinist; his last three years there he served as a group leader. 

He was a communicant of the former Notre Dame Church where he was an usher for more than 50 years and also volunteered faithfully to assist with bingo. He was a communicant of Saint Joseph's Church. 

Leo enjoyed picnics and was an avid bowler. He was a member of the Senior Bowling League and bowled a 298 at the age of 75. He also enjoyed square dancing and was an active member of the Berkshire Pioneers and Pittsfield Squares. 

His wife, the former Marguerite "Rita" Fontaine, whom he married on May 31, 1948 at Notre Dame Church, died April 17, 2015. 

Leo is survived by his daughter, Lucille B. Perusse and her husband John E. Perusse Sr. of Becket, Mass.; his son, Roger V. LaRoche of Pittsfield and his companion Pat Beany of Castleton, N.Y.; eight grandchildren, Sophia LaRoche, Matthew LaRoche, Adam Perusse, Louise Kirchner, Timothy Perusse, Christie Caron, John Perusse and Luke Perusse; six great-grandchildren; a daughter-in-law; Louise LaRoche of Pittsfield; and a sister-in-law; Betty LaRoche of Cheshire, Mass.

He was predeceased by a son, Raymond A. LaRoche, on April 25, 2002; eight brothers, Clyde, Bernard, Donald, Vincent, Gerome, Delphis, Laurin and Clement LaRoche; and one sister, Constance LaRoche.

Funeral notice: Funeral services for Leo F. LaRoche of Pittsfield will be held Tuesday, February 7, 2017, at 8:45 a.m. from Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford St., Pittsfield, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Church celebrated by Rev. Msgr. Michael A. Shershanovich. 

Burial will be in the spring at Bellevue Cemetery, Adams. Calling hours will be held Monday evening, February 6, 2017, from 4 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Leo's memory can be made to the American Diabetes Association or St. Joseph Church in care of the funeral home.