Joseph W. LaRosa

Joseph W. LaRosa, of Waltham, died Monday, February 24, 2025 at NewBridge on the Charles in Dedham following a period of declining health. He was 97.

Joe was born in Waltham on October 29, 1927, a son of the late Gaetano and Mary (Inferrera) LaRosa, and was a lifelong resident. After graduating from Waltham High School he joined the United States Navy and served at the end of World War II. 

His last duty station before his discharge in 1947 was aboard the USS Missouri (BB63), the battleship aboard which Japanese forces signed surrender documents in September, 1945, officially bringing the Second World War to a close.

After returning home Joe went to work with his brother, John, running LaRosa’s Market on Willow Street, a much beloved neighborhood grocery store, and at their lot on Main Street next to Saint Jude’s where for years they made the selection of a Christmas tree and wreaths an experience for family, friends and neighbors.

Joe’s affable nature and kind demeanor earned the respect of everyone he met. After his retirement he became a talented golfer and a skilled cribbage player. At home, spring and summer meant that his yard was adorned with beautiful roses.

He followed all of the Boston sports teams and was an avid reader. Daily, he read the local and Boston newspapers. In later years Joe also learned his way around the kitchen and became a very accomplished cook.

The husband of the late Virginia E. (Martin) LaRosa, he leaves his children, Mary E. Chiasson of Newton, Robert J. LaRosa (Elizabeth) of Waltham, Richard E. LaRosa (Arlene) of Downingtown, Pennsylvania, Michael G. LaRosa (Rosemary) of Okatie, South Carolina, Linda A. Kramer (William) of Kennebunk, Maine, Joanne L. ‘Jody’ Hoyt (Randall) of Hudson, New Hampshire and Janet L. Lodge (John) of Blackstone; his grandchildren, Julie Chiasson, Michael Chiasson (Nicole), Maurena, Brian, Patrick and Marissa LaRosa, Stephen LaRosa (Jillian), Christopher LaRosa (Gabrielle), Gregory LaRosa, Ryan LaRosa (Dominique), Joseph LaRosa, Jacqueline Hawkins (John), William Kramer (Aimee), Robert Kramer, Laura Esposito, Richard Hoyt (Stephanie), John Patrick Lodge, Benjamin Lodge (Christina) and Andrew Lodge; his great-grandchildren, Matthew, Addison, Anarielle, Kalina, Lucy, Elouise, Grant, Birdie, Leon, Lincoln and Chloë and many nieces, nephews and their families.

Joe was also a brother of the late John J. LaRosa (Mary), Patrick LaRosa (Evelyn) and Agatha Wilson (Edward). 

Family and friends will honor and remember Joe's life by gathering for an Evening Wake in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Friday, February 28th from 4 to 7 p.m. and again at 11 a.m. on Saturday morning before leaving in procession to Sacred Heart Church, 311 River Street, Waltham where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12 Noon. Burial will be in Saint Patrick's Cemetery, Watertown.

To watch a broadcast [and recording] of Joe’s Funeral Mass please visit https://my.gather.app/remember/joseph-larosa and/or www.sacredheart311.com

Memorial donations may be made to the Jos. F. Hill American Legion Post No. 156, 215 Waverly Oaks Road, Waltham MA, 02452.