Samuel J. LaRocco

Samuel James “Sam” LaRocco, 89, of Bonita Springs, Florida, died of heart failure on March 15, 2024, in Bonita Springs, Florida. Sam was born on June 17, 1934, in Newark, New Jersey. He graduated valedictorian of Eastside High School in Newark, New Jersey. After high school, he managed several Safeway supermarkets and was consistently awarded “Employee of the Year” for improving the productivity and profitability of underperforming stores. He met his wife, Claire Vignes, in one of the stores in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and they married on October 11, 1959. In 1965, his brother Tony joined him in opening The Pickle Barrel Delicatessen and catering company in Menlo Park, New Jersey. Sam and Claire loved to entertain friends in their homes in Menlo Park, Lincroft, Point Pleasant, and Wall Township, New Jersey. Sam retired in 1984 and joined Claire as a consultant for her manufacturing and construction business in Greenbrier County, West Virginia, where he made many wonderful friends. He was an avid gardener and boater and enjoyed fishing, cooking, and sharing meals with his family and friends. Sam loved music and in all of his homes, there was a piano that he so beautifully played. He also resided in Marco Island, and Bonita Springs, Florida, where he and Claire have lived since 1996. Remembered fondly by family and friends as a “prince of a guy,” and a “great man,” Sam was honest, loyal, kind, devoted, loving, and hard-working. His gentle wit and intelligence always shined through. He was known for being compassionate and caring for elderly family and friends. He was always ready to help those in need and was a loving, devoted husband to Claire for almost 65 years. Sam joins his late parents Anthony J. and Mary V. (Bubica) LaRocco and his beloved nephew Steven LaRocco. He also joins late brothers-in-law Gene (Jean) Vignes, Roger (Janet) Vignes, William (June) Vignes, and nephew William Jr. (Alla) Vignes. He is survived by his loving wife, Claire A. LaRocco of Bonita Springs, Florida, his brother, Anthony J. “Tony,” Jr. (Eileen) LaRocco of Naples, Florida, sister-in-law Irene Wilchek, and brother-in-law Robert (Connie) Vignes. He was a loving uncle to Lisa (Ken) Stenback, Jeanne (Frank) Vollmann, Jeffrey Vignes, Barbara Ann Durnan, Robert (Janet) Vignes, Jennifer (Kevin) Danberry, Hayley Stenback, Jill (Chris) Pepe, Frank Vollmann, Jeffrey Munson, David (Lanore) Munson, Kerry (Steven) Bray, Christopher Pepe, Justin Pepe, and Juliet Pepe. He was a guardian to Robin Bloom and Richard (Tara) Bloom. A Memorial Mass to celebrate his life will be held on June 29, 2024, at 11:00 AM at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church 28300 Beaumont Rd., Bonita Springs, Florida. A reception for family and friends will follow. For those unable to attend the Mass in pearson it will be live-streamed at www.facebook.com/events/s/mass-of-christian-burial-for-s/1477429059861362\ To sign his guest register or to leave online condolences please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hope Hospice, Tunnels to Towers, or the charity of your choice. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home and Crematory Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.

Samuel J. LaRocco

June 17, 1934 - March 15, 2024