Richard John Laracy

Richard John Laracy came into the world as the loving son of Francis and Marion Laracy and the doted on baby brother of Judy Capron. Not long after, he would become a doting big brother to two more sisters Eileen and Patty. He was raised in West Orange where he would meet the love of his life, Kathleen, and became an adoring and devoted husband. This love would eventually lead to Rich gaining the title of dad to his four children: Rich, Mike, Mary and Tommy. They would move to Point Pleasant, NJ, where they would spend the next 43 years before moving to the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Because of the example set by their parents' love, these children married wonderful spouses that would become family in Julie, Victoria, Jeff and Jennifer. Eventually, this amazing Dad became Pop Pop. To his final days, Pop-Pop beamed with pride at his 9 grandchildren Tim, Aidan, Jack, Sam, Sophie, Collin, Katie, Casey and Will. Rich served our country in the United States Navy aboard the USS Maddox from 1959 to 1963. The majority of that time was spent in the Pacific in places such as Okinawa, Guam and the Philippines. He made the most of his adventure. Besides seeing the world, he also swam above the Marianas Trench and witnessed an atomic blast off of the coast of the Christmas Islands. After the Navy, he went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Rutgers University which led to him getting a job at the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, where he would make a career for 31 years. Rich lived his life in service to others. He and Kathy would host children for the summer in order to give them an experience that they may have not otherwise been able to. They opened their home to children from the inner city of New York, war-torn Northern Ireland, and even as far as Japan. Rich also volunteered at “Camp Happy Times”, a summer camp for sick children. Later in life, Rich volunteered in literacy programs and also delivered food to the elderly for the Meals on Wheels charity organization. They say that you make a living from what you get, but you make a life from what you give. What Rich gave of himself freely to the world will never be forgotten. From a very early age, Rich knew how to enjoy life. As a boy and a young man, he would spend his summers on the waters of Bayville, Long Island. Whether boating, water skiing or just plain swimming, he just wanted to be outside. Rich also loved camping with his family. In 1981 he took his wife and four kids in a station wagon on a 3 month adventure from New Jersey to California and back. This adventure would go on to be referred to by the family as “The Big Trip”, and has provided a lifetime of memories. At the age of 55, having zero musical experience or ability to read music, he learned to play the bagpipes. Rich took great pride in his Irish heritage and found the pipes to be a great way to honor those traditions. He played weddings, funerals, parades and even on one occasion, on top of a bar. These were some of his favorite pastimes, but his absolute favorite thing to do was spend time with his family. The laughter and love that he shared with his sisters, wife, children and grandchildren continued to fill his life with joy, even in his last days. When Parkinson’s disease took from Rich his ability to play the bagpipes, he taught the instrument to his eldest son. That is how he lived his life, by taking the best parts of himself and selflessly passing them on to others. He taught us to love, to be compassionate, to persevere and to always care for each other. Because of this, all who knew him, will forever carry on a piece of Rich in their hearts and souls. Though the piper has gone, we will still hear his tune. Arrangements are being made through Furber Funeral Home and Cremations Services. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Mount Washington Valley Adult Day Center. Thank you