Dennis D. LaRocco

Dennis David LaRocco, 74 of Findlay, passed away Friday evening, October 10th at Blanchard Valley regional Hospital. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio on April 25, 1951 to the late Joseph LaRocco and Eleanor (Purcell) LaRocco. He is survived by his wife of 52 years Teresa “Terri” (Janes) LaRocco, two sons David & Michael, their wives Lynnsey and Aimee, and daughter Nanaka (LaRocco) Butler and her husband Daniel. Dennis was the proud grandpa to 7 grandchildren - Owen & Gavin LaRocco, Camille & Elodie LaRocco and Eli, Grant and Miles Butler. He is also survived by older brothers James & Joseph LaRocco, younger sister Marianne Reardon and younger brother Michael LaRocco. 

Dennis spent his entire working career with the Community Action Commission retiring after 3 decades as the Executive Director. His proudest professional achievement was the formation and implementation of the Hancock Area Transportation Service or HATS. He dedicated his life and work to helping the community. He was also extremely passionate supporting Hope House as well as other philanthropic organizations in Findlay.

He was a passionate sports fan and loved is alma mater THE Ohio State University, Cleveland Browns, Cavaliers, and the Guardians (which he still referred to as the Indians).  There is nothing more he loved than spending days and nights, supporting his grandsons and granddaughter’s sporting events often volunteering to help coach. He was a quiet man, but becoming a grandfather brought out a whole new side of him. With each grandchild, he softened a little more. He loved his grandchildren deeply and being their grandpa was one of his greatest joys.

Dennis had a passion for the University of Findlay Oilers men’s basketball team, watching those games court side. He loved buying a new car every two years and enjoyed haggling for the best deal possible. Being an extremely smart and thrifty man Dennis lived for a deal. He found great passion in using his frugal tendencies to find the most inexpensive option at restaurants or hotels. He cherished financial deals that would often embarrass his kids or drive them nuts as he tried to find ways to use coupons or points at McDonalds, Chick-fil-A or Sheetz and other establishments. Beyond his frugalness, he shared advice and often was relied upon for his wisdom and passion to help others.  He never missed a church service at his beloved St. Michael’s parish, including all Catholic holy holidays and even made time to attend Mass when he was on vacation or visiting family out of town. He would sit in the back row, balcony or the children’s quiet room so he could get in and out of the service without making a scene. 

In his later years, you could often find him walking or exercising at the University of Findlay, walking with his wife and neighbors in their neighborhood and traveling. He loved the beach and would spend weeks in Florida each winter. He visited 47 of the 50 states – missing out on Oregon and Alaska are a shame but no one would blame him for not getting to North Dakota, right? – traveling to national parks or monuments and exploring the richness of the United States of America with his wife. 

The family will receive friends from 12:00pm to 2:00pm on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Kirkpatrick-Behnke Funeral Home, 500 Lima Avenue, Findlay.

In lieu of flowers, he asked that donations be made to Hope House 1800 N. Blanchard St, Suite 106, Findlay, Ohio 45840.  Https://findlayhopehouse.networkforgood.com/projects/108304-hope-house-general-donation

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.kirkpatrickbehnke.com

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