Richard Wilson LaRocque

Pastor Richard "Rich" LaRocque, 58, of Titusville, PA, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at UPMC Hamot, surrounded by his loving family. "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints." Psalm 116:15.
Rich was born on October 27, 1967, in Rome, NY, to Robert "Rocky" and Rose LaRocque, who preceded him in death.
A proud graduate of Oneida High School, Rich went on to earn an Associate's Degree in Engineering and Business from SUNY Morrisville. He later received his Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Distribution from Clarkson University. But the Lord had a greater calling for him. After attending Massillon Baptist College, where he met the love of his life, Sandy. Rich surrendered his life to full-time ministry. The two were married in 1993 and shared 33 beautiful, Christ-filled years together. "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." 3 John 1:4.
Rich joyfully followed God's call into pastoral ministry, serving first at Bible Baptist Church of Dempseytown, and then faithfully pastoring Independent Baptist Church in Pleasantville, PA, for 22 years. He poured his heart into preaching, shepherding, and loving his church family. He often said that pastoring was what he was "born to do." "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." Revelation 2:10.
Rich and Sandy were blessed with seven children: Kierra LaRocque (Josh), Noah LaRocque (Roxanne), Boaz LaRocque, Melody LaRocque, Felicity LaRocque (Caden), and their two adopted blessings, Gideon LaRocque and Chiquita LaRocque. He was the proud "Pops/Puffs" of four grandchildren: Jordan Sciallo, Jaxen Sciallo, Azleia Henderson (his "bestest friend"), and Kaine Sciallo, who preceded him in death. "Children's children are the crown of old men." Proverbs 17:6.
Rich had an unwavering passion for sharing the Gospel. Whether preaching on Sunday mornings, witnessing in the community, or leaving Gospel tracts in every bathroom he visited, including his own, he lived with a burning desire to point others to Jesus Christ. His joy was contagious, his humor uplifting, and his faith steadfast. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16.
To know Rich was to love him. His kindness, laughter, compassion, and unwavering faith touched countless lives. His legacy lives on in the hearts of his family, his church, and the many souls he influenced for Christ. While he will be deeply missed, the light he carried continues to shine through every life he touched.
Visitation will be held at the Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home Inc., 303 N. Washington St., on Thursday, from 4 to 7 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. at the Pleasantville Independent Baptist Church with Timothy Freehling officiating.
A livestream of the service can be viewed in the box below at the time of the service.
Memorial contributions can be made to Pleasantville Independent Baptist Church 273 N Main St, Pleasantville, PA 16341.