Robert Paul La Rose

Robert Paul La Rose, beloved by family and friends, passed away peacefully on March 05, 2026,

at the age of 93. Born on October 16, 1932 in Galloway Township, New Jersey, Bob was the first

of six children born to Angelo and Alberta La Rose.

Robert proudly served his country in the US Army during the Korean War. After graduating from

Fairleigh Dickinson University, he began a lifelong career as an engineer with Sperry Rand /

Unysis. In 1955, Robert married the love of his life, Mary Czifra. Bob and Mary were completely

devoted to each other, sharing a beautiful journey filled with love, laughter, and innumerable

accomplishments, including raising four children, designing and building two three-story

additions to their family homes, and building an 18-foot sailboat which saw many family outings

on Huntington Harbor and Long Island Sound.

Bob was an accomplished carpenter and woodworker. With endless energy, he tackled

plumbing, electrical work, tiling, roofing, brick laying, and concrete work. He was self-taught

and there was nothing he could not do. He was an avid gardener, providing his family with an

abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. He engaged in all sorts of leisure activities, including

playing the tenor saxophone, playing softball and golf, sailing, volunteer work with youth

baseball, photography, and singing. On most days, you could find him playing his Baby Grand

piano and singing his heart out. He shared his love of music with everyone he knew and inspired

many of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren to pursue this passion.

Robert was a fiercely independent man, living on his own until the end of his life. As recently as

December 2025, he was still bowling in senior leagues (scoring 300 multiple times!) and singing

a robust baritone in the St. Patrick Catholic Church choir. Always eager to learn a new skill, he

also took up playing the handbells at church.

Robert truly was an incredible man who touched the lives of many people. He had a twinkle in

his eye that told you, you were special to him. Family was central to his life and he made sure to

mark all holidays, birthdays, and even Mother’s Days, with a warm phone call or message in the

mail. Watching and participating in the lives of his two local great-grandchildren provided him

with great joy in the last years of his life.

Robert is predeceased by his parents, his brother, Patrick, his sister, Beverly, and his beloved

wife, Mary. He leaves behind brothers Michael and Timothy La Rose, and sister Dorothy

Cortwright; four children: Robert J. La Rose (wife Mary Rappaport), Brian P . La Rose (wife

Elizabeth La Rose), Patricia M. Fuchs (husband Karl Fuchs, deceased), and Maria E. La Rose

(husband Alan Towson); seven grandchildren: Robert La Rose; Christopher, Timothy, and

Jonathon La Rose; Kimberly Fuchs; David and Michael Towson; and four great-grandchildren:

Isabelle and Ava La Rose; Anabella and Jaxon Fuchs. Robert comes from a large Italian family

who came to America in 1901. He is survived by many relatives too numerous to list here.The family wishes to extend its deepest gratitude for all the prayers and support provided to

Robert during the last week of his life. We especially want to commend the medical staff of the

Intensive Care Unit at Huntington Hospital for their compassionate care of our father and the

endless kindness and sensitivity to the family. Nurse Heather, you are an angel