Paul J. LaRosa

1933 - 2018

Paul Joseph LaRosa, 84, a longtime resident of Newington, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, September 1, 2018. Born on September 13, 1933 in Hartford, Paul was the son of the late Giuseppe and Gaetana (Pappalardo) LaRosa and the beloved husband of Eleanor (Massaro) LaRosa for 61 years. Paul was raised in Hartford and was a graduate of Hartford Public High School, Class of 1953. He entered the military and proudly served his country as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force Band from 1953-1957. Following his discharge from the military, Paul was employed in the banking industry for over 35 years as branch manager and later Assistant Vice President, with the Connecticut Bank and Trust Company, the Charter Oak Bank and Trust, retiring from the Bank of Boston. He was a Life Member of the First Company Governor's Foot Guard, actively serving in the militia for over 25 years, as Captain, First Lieutenant and Assistant Band Master. Paul was a gifted tenor saxophone and clarinet player, and together with his lifelong friend and bandmate Irwin Baron, headlined the Irne Paul's Orchestra for over 38 years spreading music and joy to all. He was a charter member and director of the Newington Chapter of UNICO National, a member of the Rev. Edward Shaughnessey Knights of Columbus Council, Newington the Ella T. Grasso Lodge of the Order of Sons of Italy, and served as treasurer for the Italian American Stars. He coached youth league sports in Newington, served in booster clubs and with many numerous civic groups and organizations. Besides his wife Eleanor, Paul is survived by his children, Joseph LaRosa and his wife Vivian of Newington, Tanina-Marie LaRosa of Bristol, and Paula Saunders of Plainville, his grandchildren, Ian Saunders of CA, Marah Liden and her husband Tim of Albany, NY, Roland J. LaRosa of Newington, Christopher Saunders of Bristol, Paul Joseph Chabot of New Britain and Heather Louise Saunders of Plainville, his great granddaughter, McKenna Saunders of Bristol as well as several cousins, and a host of extended family and friends. Funeral services with Military Honors for Paul will be held on Saturday morning, September 8, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. at the Newington Memorial Funeral Home, 20 Bonair Ave., Newington. He will be laid to rest privately at a later date. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Paul's family on Saturday morning, prior to the service from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. In honor of Paul's love for music, memorial donations may be made to Hartford Public Schools, Music Dept. and mailed to: Hartford BOE, C/O Tracy Avicolli Director of Arts & Wellness, 960 Main St. 8th Floor, Hartford, CT 06103. Please make checks pay Hartford Public Schools Music Dept. To leave an online expression of sympathy please visit: www.newingtonmemorial.com.