Anthony (Tony) R. LaRock

Anthony (Tony)R. LaRock, age 85, of Chemung New York, passed away unexpectedly at home on Friday March 7 th , 2025.
Tony was born in North Bangor, NY, the son of Luella Trombley and Raymond LaRocque on October 26, 1939. His father,
Raymond LaRocque, passed away from complications of rheumatic fever early in Tony’s life. His mother then married
Joseph Richards who raised Tony as his own son.

Tony entered the United States Navy in July of 1958 (age 19) with the Helicopter Utility Squadron (HU-2 aka “Fleet
Angels”- one of the Navy’s first two Helicopter Squadrons in Lakehurst, NJ) proudly serving his country for 6 years.
Prior to entering the Navy, his family moved to Fulton, New York, where he met the love of his life, Janet Draper. On
October 18, 1958, in the St. Mary’s Church in Fulton, NY, Jan and Tony were married and went on to share more than 65
years together. Moving to Chemung, New York in 1973, Tony opened and managed the new Cole Muffler Store in
Elmira, NY. He then went on to work for the Elmira City School District as the storeroom manager until his retirement in
2006. The family made their permanent home on Main Street in Chemung, where they raised their family and served
their community.

As a faithful member of the Chemung United Methodist Parish, Tony made many lifelong friends and served on the
Board of Trustees for several years. He recently went back to his Catholic roots joining The Catholic Community of the
Epiphany Church where he enjoyed going to Mass weekly. Tony was an active volunteer firefighter and EMT for the
Chemung Volunteer Fire Department with over 50 years of dedicated service, holding many positions including Assistant
Chief, President and was the current Safety Officer and a Fire District Commissioner. He actively assisted his neighbors
and friends volunteering on the Chemung FD Ambulance when they had the service. He was also an active volunteer
EMT for Greater Valley EMS (aka “The Corp”) where he served on their Board for many years. Tony was a passionate and
dedicated member of every community position he held serving on most until his death.

Tony truly loved his family
above all else and believed in serving God first, then Family, Country and Community. He was a gentle, humble and kind
spirit who often started a conversation with “this is the gospel according to Tony” or remember stories with “my alleged
mind”. He also loved spending time at “camp”, Lake Bonin, with his wife, family and friends. Tony leaves behind a legacy
that many (including his own children and grandchildren) are fulfilled from his mentorship, guidance and
encouragement.

Tony is survived by his sons Brian (Jennifer) LaRock, Bruce LaRock, Barry (Lisa) LaRock and daughter-in-law, Deb LaRock
all of Chemung NY. His beloved grandchildren Michael (Ellen Appleby) LaRock, Matthew (Karli) LaRock, Braden
(Madison) LaRock, Lindsay LaRock, Brianna LaRock, Andrew LaRock, Brittany Austin and Amanda Patelunas. Several
nieces, nephews, great nephews, great nieces and many, many close friends including Dan Burgess (aka the 4 th son),
Gene Rowley, Fred Dickenson and Gloria Ciavardini.

In addition to his parents and stepfather, Tony was preceded in death by his loving wife Janet, his brother-in-law John
Draper and sisters-in-law, Esther Scott and Shirley Lamson.

A full Military, Fire and EMS graveside service and burial will be held at the Chemung Cemetery, Chemung New York on
Friday March 14th, at 2:00 PM, with Father Daniel Toomey officiating.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Chemung Fire Department, 679 Main Street, PO Box 138, Chemung, NY
14825 or Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 1 Huntington Quad, Suite 3N06, Melville, NY 11747.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Thomas Cremation and Funeral Service, 1297 Elmira St., Sayre, Pa.

Those wishing to leave a sympathy message for Tony's family may do so at thomascremationfuneralservice.com

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