Bruce Leonard Laro

Bruce Leonard Laro

Lebanon, NH - Bruce Leonard Laro, a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away unexpectedly at his home on June 3, 2025. A lifelong resident of Lebanon, New Hampshire, Bruce was 76 years old.

Born on February 4th, 1949, in Lebanon, New Hampshire, Bruce was the son of Dorothy M. Laro (Townsend) and Leonard G. Laro. Born the son of a "lumberman" and growing up in Lebanon, Bruce developed a deep love of the outdoors, a strong work ethic, and an inherent sense of independence.

After graduating from Lebanon High School in the Class of 1967, Bruce enlisted in the Army often sharing stories of his time stationed in Germany. Bruce was called back from his service early to support his family here in Lebanon but was always proud of having had the opportunity to serve his country.

Back in Lebanon, Bruce continued to help his father with the family business, logging, hauling logs to the family mill on Route 120, and operating the mill. In time, Bruce began working for Joe's Equipment where he learned to install and repair water pumps. Before long, Bruce's sense of independence led him to start his own business, Laro's Pump Service, installing and repairing water well pumps and water conditioning systems. He ran his business with pride for over 40 years, changing its name to Laro's Water Service in the 1990's when he began offering hydro-fracking services. Bruce took great pride in, not just the quality of his work, but the appearance of his equipment, always cleaning, maintaining, and re-painting things.

In 1972, Bruce married his first wife, Sylvia Waters, with whom he had his first son, Brian. After their divorce, Bruce found his wife of 46 years, Barbara A. Laro (Adams), working at the Children's Center of the Upper Valley where Brian attended pre-school. Married on May 29th, 1979, Bruce and Barb built a home on Great Brook Road. The family grew with the birth of their child, Gregory, and Bruce's parents built a house next door to theirs. The family has many fond memories of their time with three generations on Great Brook Rd.

Among Bruce's many talents was his ability to tinker with and build almost anything he put his mind to. He was the embodiment of "Yankee Ingenuity" and was proud of the tools and machines he created, his greatest accomplishment being the hydro-fracking truck he built.

Bruce loved hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, kayaking, gardening, boating, and water skiing. He had a passion for making maple syrup every spring, doing so for almost 20 years. He and Barb spent countless hours every year, boiling sap in the "Moose Run Sugarhouse". Bruce and Barb were also very active with the Lebanon Outing Club (LOC), volunteering many hours a week at the Storr's Hill Ski Area. He worked as a Ski Patroller and lift attendant, while she worked in the kitchen raising money for the LOC selling food. Bruce, with the help of many others, was instrumental in bringing snow making to "the Hill".

His volunteerism extended beyond the LOC and included serving dinner at the monthly community dinners through the First Congregational Church of Lebanon and serving as an adult leader for many years with the Boy Scouts of America Troop 279.

Much more of a "dog person" than a "cat person", Bruce loved all the family's dogs over the years, with Molly and Piper holding special places in his heart.

Bruce loved his family very much and was incredibly proud when he first became a grandpa following the birth of Brian's son Cody. In his later years, Bruce became incredibly fond of his two granddaughters, Abigail and Samantha, the family of Gregory and his wife.

Bruce leaves behind his wife, two sons; Brian (Beth) Laro of Lebanon, NH, and Gregory (Ashley) Laro of Chester, NH and three grandchildren; Cody, Abigail, and Samantha.

He is predeceased by his parents; Dorothy and Leonard Laro and his sisters; Joyce (Dion), and Patricia (Barber).

Services: Calling hours will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025, from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. at Ricker Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 56 School Street, in Lebanon, NH. A private service for family will be announced later, as will a public celebration of life, later in the summer.

An online guest book is available to leave a message of condolence for Bruce's family by visiting www.rickerfuneralhome.com