Albert LaRocca

Albert LaRocca, husband, uncle, cherished friend, retired pilot, businessman, and Marine Corps captain passed away on July 27, 2024.

Al was born to Connie and Nunzio LaRocca in Newark, New Jersey, the oldest of three brothers. He graduated from Bloomfield High School and Monmouth College. Joining the United States Marine Corp in 1966, Al served in Viet Nam as both a helicopter and fixed wing aircraft pilot, flying mostly medevac and reconnaissance missions. He rescued wounded and fallen soldiers from combat zones and was shot down three times. Al received many awards for heroism and valor, including the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross, the Purple Heart, and the Distinguished Flying Cross. Al also refused some honors, feeling too much life had been lost for him to earn a merit of distinction. Semper fidelis. In 1973, Al moved to Memphis to become one of the first pilots for Federal Express, a position he held for 27 years. A serial and successful entrepreneur, Al and his wife Carol started a hotel renovation company, Plantation Enterprises, remodeling Ramada hotels all over the United States and Caribbean. They also owned a distributorship of Hunter Fans, and Dominican Republic Cohaba Cigars. Along with friend Mike Tutor, Al was a partner in Mid-South Jets. Al and Carol purchased a wholesale wine and liquor company, Star Distributors, which they increased four-fold. Al started Lenny's Sub Shops in 1999 with another principal; he co-founded the Memphis Food and Wine Festival with Bob and Sherry Chimenti, and chef Jose Gutierrez, and donated half a million dollars in proceeds to local charities. Throughout his career, Al employed over a thousand people. Working on the boards of the Liberty Bowl, Memphis in May, LeBonheur Children's Hospital, the Memphis Symphony, the University of Memphis Athletic Scholarship Board, the Memphis and Shelby County Humane Society.

Al was a lifelong champion of children and animals. He served his country, and then he served his community. Al loved to cook (his food was better than yours!) and became a connoisseur of wine. Al valued a family day, eating, laughing, telling stories, and watching sports. He played backgammon competitively and enjoyed racing his cigarette boat in his younger years. Al was always eager to ride his motorcycle with close friends, Jerry Howard and John Gehret.

Albert is survived by his treasured wife of 47 years, Carol Hurst LaRocca; his Havanese dogs, Maggie and Mollie; brother-in-law, Rick Hurst; protégé, turned trusted friend, turned organ donor, John Adams; Aura Palencia, dear and special friend in Florida; the Vincent Correale family, Louis (Angela), Vincent (Jamie), Anthony, and Dominic; Adele Correale San Miguel (Jose), Jose, Sofia, and Antonio; a close circle of beloved friends and Marine Corps brothers, including John Trainor, Frank Fato, Rick Rivers, and too many others to be named. You know who you are. You live forever in his heart. Al's brothers, Robert (Cindy) and Dennis, preceded him in death.

A celebration of life is being planned.