Former resident of Chicago and Park Ridge, IL, Joseph J. LaRocca, Jr. passed away peacefully in his new hometown of Cape Coral, Florida, after a courageous year-long battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving wife of 40 years, Jamie (Cremeens) LaRocca, and their children Jared Millard and Jenna LaRocca. Thanks to FaceTime, his son Joseph J. LaRocca IV was also able to be with him during his final moments.
Joe is survived by his wife Jamie, sons Jared and Joseph (“Joey”), and daughter Jenna. He is also survived by his sister, Linda (LaRocca) Martinek, and her husband Bill, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends—too many to name, but all of whom will deeply miss him. Joe’s sharp wit and sense of humor left behind a lifetime of stories that continue to bring smiles and laughter to those who knew him.
Among his greatest joys were his grandchildren: Nicholas, Nathan, and Matthew Kozlowski, and Hannah and Kody Millard.
Born April 20, 1951, in Chicago, IL, to Joseph J. LaRocca, Sr. and Virginia (Jean) Ginter LaRocca, Joe faced early medical challenges that shaped his resilience and determination. He grew up in Edison Park and, by the end of 7th grade, found his calling at Northwestern Military and Naval Academy in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. From the moment he walked into the rotunda, he knew it was where he belonged. It was there that his lifelong passion for wrestling began. He wrestled as their 98-pounder starting in 8th grade and never forgot a single match—despite often forgetting what was for dinner. He later qualified for the Olympic Trials in 1968, one of his proudest accomplishments. He went on to wrestle at The Citadel, Elmhurst College, and in the U.S. Navy.
After his honorable discharge from the Navy, Joe joined General Building and Maintenance Company, a family business started by his grandfather and passed down through generations. He became president in 1992 and led the company until his retirement in 2007. His wife, Jamie, joined him in running the business and fondly remembers him as not only a good leader, but a great partner in work and life.
Joe’s dedication extended beyond his career. He was a devoted alumnus of Northwestern Military and Naval Academy. His two sons also attended military school. He served on their school’s Board of Trustees until 2019 and gave back through coaching wrestling—supporting his sons, and later his grandsons, with pride and commitment.
Joe was known for his strong will, his unwavering loyalty, and his tenacity in the face of challenges. In his final year, he faced his illness with honesty and courage, often reminding loved ones that he had lived a full and meaningful life, with no regrets. While he didn’t want to say goodbye, he wanted everyone to remember the joy and laughter he brought into their lives—and to carry that spirit forward.
A private memorial will be held.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe’s honor to support youth wrestling—his lifelong passion—either to The Citadel wrestling program or the Crystal Lake Wizards