William Francis Laracy

William Francis Laracy (90) passed away peacefully on May 21st, 2024. Born on November 21, 1933, he was the only child of William J. Laracy and Alma (Puzin) Laracy.

Known to friends and family as Larry, he was raised in South Norwood MA. It was there that he met the love of his life and future wife, Mary Ann Laracy (Grasso). They were married for 66 years until her death in 2020. They moved their young family from Norwood to Foxboro in 1963 where they raised 5 children. In 1977, the family relocated to Baker Street where he lived the remainder of his life.

As a child he remembered spending months in a Boston Hospital where through a miracle he survived spinal meningitis. It is believed that he was one of the first to have survived such a medical diagnosis in the 1930's.

He was proud of his upbringing, telling stories of growing up in South Norwood, graduating Norwood High School (specializing in cabinet making) and attending Northeastern University for a short period. Although he was not a tradesman by profession, his work rivaled those that were.

He worked for Bird and Son roofing in Norwood Ma for over 40 years, retiring as a shipping foreman. After retirement, he enjoyed spending the winters at his home in West Palm Beach Florida and spending his summers camping at Bayview campground in Bourne, MA. An occasional golfer, he recorded two-hole in ones. His legacy of hard-work and love of family will live on as our family walks in his footsteps and appreciates a life well lived.

Beloved husband of the late Mary Laracy. Devoted father of Diane Emus of Mansfield and her late husband Alan, Paul Laracy and his wife Martha of Norton, David Laracy and his wife Karen of Plainville, Michael Laracy and his wife Karen of Foxborough, and Kevin Laracy and his wife Elizabeth of Marshfield.

Growing up an only child, he had a love of family and cherished the time spent with them. Affectionately known as Papa, he leaves behind 11 grandchildren and 8 great children. Loving Grandfather to Jason, Michael and Rachel Emus; Tyler, Ryan, Chelsea, Mathew, Michael, Kaitlyn, Kyle and Alex Laracy. Great Grandfather to Jonathan and Victoria Lawlor; Chloe Bell-Smith-Grenier; Kylie and Felix Laracy; Benjamin and Mariella Emus and Harper McDonald.

The gift that he left us was that nothing is more important than family and that family always comes first.

Our family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Lia Thomas for the compassionate care she provided to our father. Also, a special thank you to Gail, Kathie and Cheryl for joining Lia in caring for our dad as well. We will be forever grateful.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend calling hours on Wednesday, May 29th from 10 AM to 12 noon at the Roberts and Sons Funeral Home, 30 South Street, Foxborough with graveside services immediately following at St. Mary's cemetery in Foxborough, MA.