Roy William LaRocque

Roy William LaRocque, 80, formerly of Ligonier and Schenectady, NY passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on August 2, 2025, in Greensburg, PA following a long term illness. Born on September 11, 1944, in Niskayuna, NY, Roy lived a life marked by dedication to his family, his craft, and his work.

Roy had an extraordinary ability to simplify life’s complexities breaking down challenges into manageable steps with clarity and calm resolve. He showed again and again that hard work paired with determination could overcome any obstacle and lead to a legacy built upon a personal drive to excel.

A 1963 graduate of Linton High School in Schenectady, NY, Roy continued his education at Hudson Valley Community College. In 1964, he earned an Associate in Applied Sciences degree with a major in Electrical Technology—laying the foundation for a long and successful career in engineering and manufacturing.

On August 29, 1964 he married his extraordinary wife, Diane Dolores ("DeeDee") DiBartolomeo at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Amsterdam, NY. During the next 60 years, Roy and Dee built a legacy and a powerful example of endearing love, marriage, and commitment that will carry on through many generations.

Roy began his professional journey with Kappel & General Electric in Schenectady, where he worked for almost two decades. In 1979, he transitioned into a 40 year career in steam turbine manufacturing with the Elliott Turbomachinery Company where he was Manager of Heavy Fabrication and a Purchasing Agent. His work took him from Elliot's Scranton plant to Jeanette, PA, where he became known not only for his technical expertise but also for his exceptional leadership and job performance. Throughout his career, Roy received numerous accolades recognizing his ability to manage complex projects and inspire those around him.

Beyond the workplace, Roy was a man of many talents and passions. A professional woodworker that lacked no tools or had enough clamps Roy could be found spending time in his woodshop where he crafted exquisite, heirloom, handmade furniture and cabinetry that reflected both skill and artistry. With encouragement from his father and driven by determination, Roy hand-built his first family home in Schenectady—a testament to his resourcefulness and love for creating lasting legacies. Roy and his wife, Dee, found much of their married life deeply involved in home building or renovation projects- a hobby they both tackled with great tenacity and truly enjoyed together. With their friends, they were known to host exceptionally fun neighborhood parties which are still fondly remembered decades later.

Roy also found joy in recreation and camaraderie. He was a longtime member of both golf and bowling leagues. With characteristic humor, he dubbed himself "the world's okayest golfer," embracing the game with enthusiasm, wit, & humor rather than ego. Yet it was the Adirondacks that held a special place in Roy’s heart. At Rollins Pond, he built cherished memories during family camping trips—moments filled with laughter, storytelling around campfires, day-long canoe trips, fishing adventures, mountain pies, and the quiet beauty of nature shared with his wife, children, and longtime friends.

Roy’s life was deeply rooted in family. He was a devoted husband to wife, Dee, and was a loving father and father-in-law to daughter Barbara (Rich) Walker of Leechburg and son Michael (Amy) LaRocque of Greensburg. He took immense pride in being Grandpa to grandsons Matthew and Timothy Squier, of Austin, TX and "Papa" to granddaughters Ashley and Madison LaRocque, Greensburg-- never missing a single activity his children and grandchildren participated in- from Y Indian Guides to Boy Scout projects, frozen football games to every band or art show, choir concert or musical theater production. Though preceded in death most recently by his beloved wife of nearly 61 years, Diane; parents Bertha (Strang) and Roy D. LaRocque; sister Claudia (LaRocque) VanSteele; dearly loved mother-in-law Edna Bartholomew; grandson Noah Squier; as well as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins —his legacy lives on through those who knew him best.

He is also remembered fondly by several nieces, nephews, godchildren, extended family members, lifelong family of friends—and all who were fortunate enough to share time with him. May Roy’s memory bring comfort to all who knew him-- and may the values he lived by continue to inspire those who he knew and loved.

Visitation will be held on August 30, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Frederick Funeral Home, 1543 Ligonier St., Latrobe, PA. A Memorial Service celebrating the life of both Roy and his late wife, Dee, who passed peacefully on February 12, 2025, will be held at Frederick Funeral Home beginning at 1:00 pm. A private internment service for Roy & Dee will be held at St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Amsterdam, NY at the convenience of the family. To send condolences, please visit www.FrederickFuneralHome.com.