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ROBERT LAROCCO Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for ROBERT LAROCCO
Mary A Leck
August 28, 2025
Rob was a person who inspired those he worked with to be creative and explore our talents. He was a unique person who touched the lives of so many people, Grateful to have known him.
Suellen Vance
September 26, 2024
Dear Rob,
I think of you often with affection and gratitude for all you taught me. I realize now how much your guidance shaped my journey, even if I was slow to recognize it at the time. Thank you for the time we shared and the lessons you imparted-I truly appreciate everything. You are missed.
Genevieve Austin
May 26, 2023
Happy Birthday (the 25th), Rob!
I miss you daily and I am still doing all the vocal exercises you taught me. Much love, Genny
NYC - California
May 6, 2023
To all who were close to Rob, It has been many years since I have seen Rob, and was not aware of his passing. Rob´s talent had great depth. He was an artist and saw the talent in others and how to cultivate what we/they had.
I will always have a place in my heart, and memory for Rob. Some funny stories, his shared wisdom and much more.
So many years since his passing, my condolences to all in his close circle.
Mary Leck
Robert Patterson
September 30, 2012
Rob was a wonderful trusted colleague. His effect on my students was magical and their growth was continuous. My trust in his expertise was complete. He will be greatly missed.
Robert Patterson
The Robert Patterson Studio
andy clayborne
September 30, 2012
Dear Rob,
I was truely crushed to hear of your passing.
Though our paths were to go in different directions...I will always remember the courage you fostered in me, to believe in a world I had yet to discover.
You gave to me extrodinary insights into what it meant to be an individual...and to be myself...and, to be free.
Thank you for extended to me your strong loving arm to the higher ground.
The lights of my B'way have been dimmed tonite.
I hope you are bending Bob Fosse's ear, giving Michael Bennet notes...and holding court with Lenny Bernstein! The times of your life have en-riched us all.
With Love Rob, God speed.
Your friend and student...I see now, from my 1st audition...you were destined to be "one of favorite things!" Love, Andy Clayborne.
andy clayborne
September 30, 2012
Dear Rob,
I was truely crushed to hear of your passing.
Though our paths were to go in different directions...I will always remember the courage you fostered in me, to believe in a world I had yet to discover.
You gave to me extrodinary insights into what it meant to be an individual...and to be myself...and, to be free.
Thank you for extended to me your strong loving arm to the higher ground.
The lights of my B'way have been dimmed tonite.
I hope you are bending Bob Fosse's ear, giving Michael Bennet notes...and holding court with Lenny Bernstein! The times of your life have en-riched us all.
With Love Rob, God speed.
Your friend and student...I see now, from my 1st audition...you were destined to be "one of favorite things!" Love, Andy Clayborne.
andy clayborne
September 30, 2012
Dear Rob,
I was truly crushed to hear of your passing.
Though our paths were to go in different directions...I will always remember the courage you fostered in me, to believe in a world I had yet to discover.
You gave to me extrodinary insights into what it meant to be an individual...and to be myself...and, to be free.
Thank you for extended to me your strong loving arm to the higher ground.
The lights of my B'way have been dimmed tonite.
I hope you are bending Bob Fosse's ear, giving Michael Bennet notes...and holding court with Lenny Bernstein! The times of your life have en-riched us all.
With Love Rob, God speed.
Your friend and student...I see now, from my 1st audition...you were destined to be "one of favorite things!" Love, Andy Clayborne.
Kristyn Koczur
September 28, 2012
Tony,
I am so very, very sorry to hear about Rob's passing. What a great loss. He was a wonderful voice teacher because he didn't have time for limitations, he made you want to just step up to the plate and discover what you didn't know you could do. I will really miss him. My deepest sympathy.
Kristyn
September 24, 2012
Tony,
My heartfelt sumpathy on the loss of Rob. I was so deeply saddened to hear of his passing. Rob was such a distinguished man with such a pleasing personality and I am so lucky that he was part of my life. I will always cherish his memory. In friendship & sorrow and with love, George
Mel & Pete
September 16, 2012
With our Deepest sympathy
Ken Cooper
September 16, 2012
So sorry for your loss! Rob was a wonderful gentle soul and a true friend in every sense of the word!He will surely be missed but never forgotten!
Patrick Thomspn
September 12, 2012
Rob was a wonderful, talented man . He will be missed by all the people whose lives that he touched, including mine. Rest in Peace my freind.
John-Albert Moseley
September 12, 2012
Robert, I will always remember your music, and hope to sing your songs again. You were always so sweet, encouraging, loving, and a mentor (even if you did not realize it). Be in peace, we will all be there for Tony.
Love, John-Albert Moseley
Brad Lakefield
September 12, 2012
So sorry for your loss. Rob will be remembered fondly by me and all his other friends at Hillside.
Richard OConnor
September 12, 2012
Just as I too was getting to know him he's gone. I am sure he will be missed by all.
Ron Williams
September 12, 2012
Rest in Peace, I am very glad I was graced with knowing you, even if for only a short time.
Marcus Xenakis
September 12, 2012
Just as I was getting to know you better, God decided he needed a really good angel... Rest In Peace friend...
Ron Gurney & Bobby Simkins
September 12, 2012
Had the pleasure of meeting you and sharing a Tony Awards broadcast at camp. A talented and gentle man who touched many lives. You will be missed, yet always remembered.
September 9, 2012
Rob,
God Bless you
James
September 9, 2012
My kindergarten class was his first year teaching music at Bradley School. He opened our eyes to all kinds of powerful music and meanings behind them. I remember him influencing me to a singing solo at the Bradley School spring music.We had a lot of fun doing the Derby middle school plays Annie and the King and I. We were all sad that you left the Derby School system.
Mr. Larocco you influenced a lot people. You were a kind soul with a big heart. This world is a better place because of you. I wish your family and friends my deepest sympathy. God Bless
James
Rob Drury
September 8, 2012
We met in an extraordinary place which will encapsulate my memories of Rob for the rest of my life. I enjoyed listening to him share tiny details of his professional life and seeing him smile. I'm saddened that our monthly correspondence has come to an end. I have enjoyed reading this guestbook and learning more about my dear friend. May your memory be cherished, Rob.
September 8, 2012
I just read my FB page after being on vacation and i am so sad to hear the passing of Rob Larocco. I want to send my thought and prayers to his partner, family and friends.
He was my vocal coach in New york and we did some shows together. I always looked forward to working with Rob for he believed in me and made me better performer. I always think of him with a smile and a song on my heart.
Gina
Norma Jean Breda
September 5, 2012
Sorry to hear about your passing. Now you are with your Mother & Father. Rest in peace. Love, Norma Jean Breda
Jay Breda
September 4, 2012
God Bless Robert's Family and Friends Rest In Peace Robert From: Norma Jean, Jay, Ree
Robin Smith
September 4, 2012
He was a great chorus teacher at Derby High School. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He will be missed.
Genny Austin
September 4, 2012
Rest in Peace, Rob.
Mark E. Guliano
September 4, 2012
Remember listening to Bohemian Rhapsody while in his class in derby Middle school. He was a great guy
Bob Lazzari
September 4, 2012
My sincere condolences to the entire LaRocco family.
September 4, 2012
"When you're young and alive you've got to shout IT!
When your heart knows your days are full of fun...."
Opening of the Derby Middle School theme written in 1972-73 by Mr LaRocco......RIP Bob.....
Linda Giardella
September 4, 2012
I met Rob through a very dear friend, and had two wonderful vocal sessions with him, which were enough to show me how talented and loving a spirit he was. My condolences go out to his family and his many, many friends. Peace be with you all...
Bob Filipowich
September 3, 2012
So sorry to hear of Rob's passing. He wrote the music, lyrics and book as well as directed and choreographed the first musical I did over 30 years ago - "Body". He was so multi talented. Thank you Rob for giving me my start.
Diane Pirritino
September 3, 2012
Every time my husband and I sit around singing and playing guitar, I think of Mr LaRocco...and that is pretty often. Music is a large part of my life due to him. I remember all of the songs we sang in chorus and most every word of each. I lost touch so many years ago but have paid tribute to him often by singing out loud daily. He touched many lives with music and that is a life well lived. RIP Mr LaRocco.
Shelli (Sobin) Mealha
September 3, 2012
RIP Mr. Larocco...so sorry to hear of your passing.
Carolyn Lingdell
September 3, 2012
Mr. Larocco was my music teacher when I was a child at Franklin School during the 70s. I clearly recall some of the songs he wrote including "CT Is My Homeland" and " Derby, Derby". He even took us to a recording studio in 1974 or 1975 to cut a record-- "Playground in my Mind", if I recall. I just mentioned him the other day when I heard someome playing "The Entertainer"--how enthusiastic he was with that song and those 88 keys! My condolences to those who loved him.
Steve Susi
September 3, 2012
Much like Don DeFala Sr. did for me before he passed away, Rob LaRocco helped keep me out of more trouble than I got into. They both took the time to talk with me as both teachers and friends. Rob suggested that I major in Electrical Engineering and gave me several of his college text books. I remember when several of us packed up our cars and helped move Rob to NY. Rest in peace Rob.
Lizzy Carbone Genovese
September 2, 2012
Whenever I hear Hotel California or Elton John - I sat on the roof and kicked off the moss, I remember chorus in the library at Bradley School w/him. Thanks for the memories!
Tony Susi
September 2, 2012
Definitely the most influential person in my career as a musician. He provided me more opportunities and motivation to develop my musical talent than I could have ever wished for. I will never forget the many wonderful musical experiences we share. May your musical talent continue to shine in heaven.
Valerie Torphy
September 2, 2012
Words are failing me. Just, Robert, thank you for being my friend, my teacher, my director, my song writer.
Valerie
September 2, 2012
Robert brought joy and happiness to many. He will be missed. Regards to all who loved him. Sharon Giannone Brangaccio
September 1, 2012
Very sad news to hear of your passing, Rob. Like a brother to me for much of my adult life, it's surreal to accept your passing. Saying goodbye through the ether is beyond expression. My condolences to Tony, Sam, Saletta, Trevor and Sasha. Sadness and echoes of his music fill my heart and mind.Rest in peace, Rob. Much love,Genny
August 31, 2012
So sorry to hear the sad news - love to Tony - The Fenlons
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