Obituary of Joseph LaRosa

Joseph LaRosa Jr. 3/28/1931 - 5/18/2017 Born Joseph LaRosa Jr. to Joseph LaRosa and Carmella (Pezzaneti), in Manaugh, West Virginia. His family moved to Vineland where Joseph graduated from Vineland High School. He was an auto mechanic with George Marshall until being called to active duty in April 1951. Joseph was a sergeant and a truck vehicle mechanic until being transferred to NJ National Guard in Vineland, NJ, where he served as a drill sergeant . Joseph received the Good Conduct and the National Defense Service Medal's. Later Joseph would complete his Biblical Theological Degree from Philadelphia Bible College while building his home in South Vineland. Joseph founded the LaRosa Construction Co. and he built many buildings in Vineland; including the AMC Cinema, The Vineland Shopping Center, The Travel Inn, Kress, Garwood Mills, Two Guys and many banks and churches. Similarly he built numerous Buildings in Cumberland County and all of South Jersey, including the Guarantee Bank & Gordon's Alley in AC and The Royal Hawaiian in Wildwood. Joe and his sons also built many commercial buildings and churches in the North East, Florida and Georgia. No task to big or hard; he excelled at solving problems and didn't believe in sweating the small stuff. He was the kind of man that even his employees affectionately called him "Pop," and were always welcomed into his home as family. In his retirement years Joe loved learning how to use the computer, always delving into something new, he endeavored to figure out the commodities market. More than his love for work, was his love for his family. Spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren brought him great joy. Joe was a loving and generous man who could always be found sharing a meal, especially if it was Chinese Food.. Joseph is survived by his loving wife Evelyn (Tartella), his sons, Douglas and wife Rosalie, Clarence and wife Suanne, Frank and wife Linda, his daughter Deborah and her husband Steve Petitie and daughter in law Victoria LaRosa. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Nikki Johnson( Bryan), Derek Ruberti( Krista), Doug LaRosa Jr., Sean LaRosa (Jessica), Ryan LaRosa, Joseph LaRosa, Ashley Petitie ( Sammy) and Kelsey LaRosa and great grandchildren, Derek and Aunnalyse Ruberti and Dylan Johnson. Including various nephews, nieces, especially Rosemary (affectionately known as "little boss") and cousins. Joseph is predeceased by his son Joseph LaRosa III, his grandson Nicholas LaRosa, and his beloved puppy Sandy.