Submitted by Fran Olson Gustafson 1965 <fgustafson917@gmail.com>
on 29/Sep/2023
184.88.213.148
Paul Accursio LaRocca, age 86 of Newburgh, made his peaceful
transition on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 surrounded by
his family and held in the comforting arms of his two
beautiful daughters. Paul was born at home on December 12,
1936 to Accursio LaRocca and Rosaria Zumo (LaRocca) in
Newburgh, NY. Paul was the youngest of five boys. He was
predeceased by his four older brothers Joseph, Frank,
Vincent, and Salvatore LaRocca. On May 12, 1962, Paul's life
changed forever when he married the love of his life, Mary
Jane. The love shared between them cannot easily be put into
words. Paul was predeceased by Mary Jane in 2012, and to say
that he missed her for the 11 years they spent apart would
be an understatement. Mary Jane undoubtedly embraced Paul
with open arms, and they are now beautifully reunited. Paul
and Mary Jane's home was a reflection of their love - a
happy and comforting place for all who entered - a place
where you were always welcome and always felt "at home."
Friends and family, young and old, would gather frequently
to share laughter, good food (especially Sunday sauce), and
moments that would become lifetime memories for so many.
Every morning, Paul's best friend and neighbor, Marie Mekeel
would share a cup of coffee with him and chat. Paul was an
incredibly kind and generous man with a contagious smile.
Paul had such an exuberant presence, you couldn't help but
to feel happy when you were around him. Known lovingly to
them as "Tata" - Paul's four granddaughters Aly, Sydney,
Gabby, and Sophia were the absolute highlight of his life.
Many of his best moments in life were spent making memories
with his girls. Tata was also a proud pet grandpa and was
adored by his furry grandchildren Harvey, Megan, Eugenie,
and Mila. Paul was a well accomplished Mechanical Engineer
for over 35 years, many of which were spent with IBM in
Fishkill, NY. Given his natural gift of craftsmanship, in
his spare time, he was a dedicated woodworker and master at
architecture. Paul spent hours upon hours building model
ships and crafting for family and friends. He took such
pride in all of his work - but took the utmost pride in his
favorite piece and largest ship, the USS MARY JANE.
Paul was also a fierce patriot and was extraordinarily proud
of having served his country as a Sergeant in the United
States Marine Corps from 1954-1959. Paul was also enlisted
as a Helicopter Mechanic for a brief time with the United
States Air Force. Paul was passionate about donating to
Tunnel to Towers and would be honored to have donations made
to the organization in his name. Paul was predeceased by his
loving mother-in-law Susie Laganaro, along with his sweet
grandson, Dante Aulogia. Paul is survived by his daughters,
Susan Aulogia and Sherri O'Donnell, along with his adoring
son-in-laws Joseph Aulogia and Michael O'Donnell. "Tata" is
survived also by his granddaughters Alexandra O'Donnell,
Sydney Khattab (O'Donnell) and her husband Mohamed,
Gabrielle O'Donnell and Sophia Aulogia, all of Newburgh.
Paul is also survived by nieces Toni Shaughnessy, Laurie
Colacchio, Paula Colacchio, Michele Davis, Diane Nestor, and
many other loving nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Brooks Funeral Home on Sunday,
October 1 from 2 - 5 PM. A funeral home service will take
place at 11 AM on Monday, October 2 followed by burial with
military honors at Calvary Cemetery.
Paul Accursio LaRocca, age 86 of Newburgh, made his peaceful
transition on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 surrounded by
his family and held in the comforting arms of his two
beautiful daughters. Paul was born at home on December 12,
1936 to Accursio LaRocca and Rosaria Zumo (LaRocca) in
Newburgh, NY. Paul was the youngest of five boys. He was
predeceased by his four older brothers Joseph, Frank,
Vincent, and Salvatore LaRocca. On May 12, 1962, Paul's life
changed forever when he married the love of his life, Mary
Jane. The love shared between them cannot easily be put into
words. Paul was predeceased by Mary Jane in 2012, and to say
that he missed her for the 11 years they spent apart would
be an understatement. Mary Jane undoubtedly embraced Paul
with open arms, and they are now beautifully reunited. Paul
and Mary Jane's home was a reflection of their love - a
happy and comforting place for all who entered - a place
where you were always welcome and always felt "at home."
Friends and family, young and old, would gather frequently
to share laughter, good food (especially Sunday sauce), and
moments that would become lifetime memories for so many.
Every morning, Paul's best friend and neighbor, Marie Mekeel
would share a cup of coffee with him and chat. Paul was an
incredibly kind and generous man with a contagious smile.
Paul had such an exuberant presence, you couldn't help but
to feel happy when you were around him. Known lovingly to
them as "Tata" - Paul's four granddaughters Aly, Sydney,
Gabby, and Sophia were the absolute highlight of his life.
Many of his best moments in life were spent making memories
with his girls. Tata was also a proud pet grandpa and was
adored by his furry grandchildren Harvey, Megan, Eugenie,
and Mila. Paul was a well accomplished Mechanical Engineer
for over 35 years, many of which were spent with IBM in
Fishkill, NY. Given his natural gift of craftsmanship, in
his spare time, he was a dedicated woodworker and master at
architecture. Paul spent hours upon hours building model
ships and crafting for family and friends. He took such
pride in all of his work - but took the utmost pride in his
favorite piece and largest ship, the USS MARY JANE.
