RIP John R. LaRose

John R. LaRose, 82, of Syracuse and Florida, passed away January 19 at Crouse Hospital. Known to his family as “Jack,” he was born December 6, 1942. He graduated from Syracuse Central Technical High School and earned BS and MS degrees in Education from SUNY Oswego. He taught at Onondaga Central for 33 years teaching primarily science and drama and coached high school tennis for 20 years, retiring in 1998. After retirement, he accepted a position as a counselor in the Admissions Office at Onondaga Community College where he continued to also teach tennis in the Physical Education department and was the head coach for both the men’s and women’s tennis teams for many years building an impressive Regional and National record. He was elected to the NJCAA National Tennis Coaches Hall of Fame in 2007 and the OCC Hall of Fame in 2008. Over the years he received numerous awards and citations from the local, Regional and National levels including the United States Tennis Association. He was at Onondaga Community College for 27 years. He once said, “I love teaching. I love working with kids. I think God just put me here to teach and coach.” He made the world a better place. John was predeceased by his father Raymond J. LaRose and his mother Helen M. LaRose. 

He is survived by his brother, Tom LaRose (Sue) and nieces, Jennifer Holdsworth and Danielle LaRose; his sister, Sandy Seniecle (Bill), and nieces, Rachel Wenzel (Kyle), Bethany Doupe, (Phil), Leah Rupracht (Caleb), Joanna Bader (Casey); his uncle, Donald Messinger; 4 great nieces and one great nephew and several cousins. 

Calling hours are Friday, January 31 from 3pm to 8pm at Butler-Badman Funeral Home, 4504 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse 13215.

Funeral Service will be at 11am Saturday, February 1, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 259 E. Onondaga St., Syracuse 13202. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Onondaga Central School Tennis or Drama program.