LEICESTER — William (Bill) Joseph Larocque of Leicester, Vt., passed away Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019, at the age of 82.
Bill was born on Dec. 7, 1936, in Salisbury, Vt., shortly after his parents Eugene Joseph Larocque and Laura Marie (Longtin) Larocque emigrated from their native community of St. Isidore de Prescott, Canada, joining family already in the area.
He proudly served in the Navy on the U.S.S. Fulton during the Korean era and was a loyal member of the local chapter of the American Legion throughout his life.
An avid car and motorcycle enthusiast, Bill attended shows and racing events both locally and nationally, and collected and restored vintage vehicles. He ultimately turned his passion into his profession, and was self-employed in automotive repair and restoration.
Although he lived the majority of his life in Middlebury, Salisbury, and Leicester, Bill’s adventurous spirit and curiosity of the world led him to venture as far west as Oregon and as far south as Belize. However, the Green Mountains always drew him home.
He is remembered with love by his sisters, Celine Raymond and Theresa Boise; his children, Ernest Joel Larocque and Michelle Larocque; his grandchildren, Aubree Ross and Jean-Paul Larocque; his former spouse, Noreen Charron; and his many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is predeceased by his brother, Ernest Laurier Joseph Larocque.
In keeping with his wishes, no memorial service will be held.◊