John J. LaRose Jr.

John J. LaRose Jr., 59, of Sugarloaf, passed away Saturday morning at St. Luke’s Hospital, Bethlehem, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Hazleton, he is the son of Caroline M. (Morelli) LaRose of Kelayres and the Late John J. LaRose Sr.

John was a member of Most Precious Blood Church, Hazleton. He was a graduate of Hazleton High School, class of 1984, and served as the class vice-president. He was also a 1986 Penn Tech graduate and a former long-time board member of the Helping Hands Society, Hazleton.

John was the proprietor of B & W Auto Body, Hazleton. He was also a former claims adjuster and recently the body shop manager at Fairway Motors, Hazleton.

John always loved being around people, he was undeniably the ‘life of the party’. He enjoyed spending quality time with his family and friends, doting on his children, and making unforgettable memories.  He absolutely loved riding his motorcycle. An avid hunter and gardener, John was always keeping himself busy.

He will always be remembered as a loving husband, a devoted father, a dedicated son and brother, and an incredible friend to so many. He will be greatly missed.

Preceding him in death, in addition to his father, was his father-in-law, Robert Bodnar Sr. 

Surviving, in addition to his mother, is his beloved wife of 36 years, Diane (Bodnar) LaRose; his cherished children, son J.J. LaRose and wife Alexis of Long Pond; and daughter, Angela LaRose of New York City; sister, Joanne Zahran and husband, Ehab of Nazareth; brother, Jamie LaRose and wife, Kara of Doylestown; mother-in-law, Lucille Bodnar, Hazleton; brother-in-law, Robert Bodnar, Hazleton; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

His funeral will be held on Friday, September 26.  The Rev. Anthony J. Generose will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Peace Parish at Most Precious Blood Church, Hazleton. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family.

Calling hours will be held Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Damiano Funeral Home Inc., McAdoo.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Condolences may be entered and information is available at www.damianofhinc.com.       

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