Remembering Gasper Larosa Jr.

Obituary for Gasper ''Gus'' LaRosa, Jr.

Gasper LaRosa Jr., 93, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on May 2, 2026, at Staten Island University Hospital North in Staten Island, New York.

Born on January 4, 1933, in Bushwick, Brooklyn, he lived a long and meaningful life marked by love, loyalty, humor, and an unwaveringly positive spirit.

Gasper was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He met the love of his life, Stella, while working at Citibank in New York City. The two were married and built a beautiful life together in Bensonhurst to raise their two loving daughters. In 2006, they made their home in Staten Island, New York, Shortly after Stella passed and Gasper continued to enjoy the comfort of family, familiar traditions, and the many blessings of a life living with his daughter Patrice and her family.

He dedicated many years of service to J.P. Morgan Chase in New York, New York, where he worked as an Assistant Vice President Systems Analyst. Gasper was respected for his intelligence, professionalism, and steady presence throughout his career. He approached his work with diligence and pride, and those who knew him appreciated both his sharp mind and his dependable nature.

Outside of work, Gasper embraced life with enthusiasm and joy. He was a fan of all sports, but he especially loved the New York Mets and remained a lifelong fan and loyal supporter. He was very fun and lively, and he had a wonderful sense of humor that brightened the lives of those around him. He enjoyed a great meal, a nice cocktail and he especially treasured time spent with his family and vacationing with everyone yearly in the Bahamas. His grandsons were his pride and joy, and they made him proud every day. Gasper always looked for the brighter side of things and lived as a true glass-half- full kind of man.

Gasper was the beloved son of the late Florence (Ballou) and Gasper LaRosa Sr. He was also predeceased by his cherished wife, Stella (Gallo) LaRosa, and his brother, Michael LaRosa. He is survived by his loving daughters, Patrice Loughin and her husband Robert, and Catherine Buonocore and her husband Vincent. He also leaves behind his dear siblings, Bill LaRosa and his wife Camille, and Joanne Gebbia and her husband Joseph. Gasper was a treasured grandfather to Robert Loughlin Jr. and his wife Carianne, Michael Buonocore and his wife Maria, Gregory Buonocore, Steven Buonocore, and William Buonocore, and he was a proud great-grandfather to Madeline Loughlin.

Gasper will be remembered as optimistic, spirited, and funny, with a warm heart and a generous soul. He had a remarkable ability to lift others up simply by being himself, and his presence brought comfort, laughter, and strength to his family. His love for his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter was evident in all that he did, and the legacy he leaves behind is one of devotion, resilience, and enduring affection.

Though he will be deeply missed, Gasper's memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. He will be forever cherished and lovingly remembered.

Post 316

Master Sergeant - At - Arms

2015 - 2026

In Memory of our Friend and Comrade

Gasper ( Gus ) Larosa Jr.

January 4, 1933 - May 2, 2026

Gaspar (Gus) LaRosa

Gus was inducted into the U.S. Army on April 27, 1953 and was sent to Camp Kilmer, NJ for processing. Three days later Gus arrived at Camp Drum in Watertown, New York. Camp Drum was a National Guard Training Facility that was activated to train regular army troops during the Korean War. Gus was trained as a radioman to assist a forward observer in the 278 R.C.T. Artillery. Gus said they trained for eight months opposed to the usual six months. We were ready to ship out when it came to someone’s attention that we never fired the 105 MM howitzers. Our unit then traveled by trucks to Fort Devens, Massachusetts for two months and stayed at camp near Devens that was closed since the end of WW II, and was reopened so the unit could practice firing. During this time period there was a peace treaty signed in Korea and we went by ship to Iceland, I soon found out that sailing in the North Atlantic in February is not a pleasant cruise. I was seasick for seven days. When you see sailors getting sick you know things are bad. We later found out that the ship split in half on the return trip. I was assigned to a 4.2 heavy mortars outfit. I soon learned that the horizontal control operator tour was over, and I was chosen to replace him

My new job had a lot of good factors, I no longer had to carry the heavy M1 Rifle, instead I carried a 45 Caliber Pistol. The heavy back pack radio was replaced by a table and chair and I was no longer in air shot of the mortars. To top it all off I was promoted to corporal. No more KP and now instead of standing guard in the middle of nowhere I drove the guards to their posts and went back to a warm hut. In February 1955 I flew back to Springfield, Massachusetts. And then to Camp Kilmer and completed the circle to end my time in service

Gus was and will always be loved by all that knew him.

He was a TRUE AMERICAN and a perfect example of a LEGIONNAIRE

He was a Vice Commander and our Sergeant -At- Arms for eleven years.

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