Henri J. LaRosee

Henri J. LaRosee, age 96, of Westford passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 12, 2024.   He was the loving husband of the late Barbara E. (Grimes) LaRosee.  

Henri was born in Waltham, Massachusetts on March 20, 1927, son of the late James R. and Eva (Cormier) LaRosee.  He was also predeceased by his brother Richard and three sisters Lorraine, Janet and Doris.  

Henri left school before graduation and proudly served his country during WWII, first in the Merchant Marines with a tour in the Mediterranean Sea, then in the Army Airforce as a draftsman before being discharged at the War’s end.  

Henri married Barbara (Grimes) in August of 1950 and together they raised four children.  

Henri was a master toolmaker, first working in his Dad’s shop LAROSEE Tool at age 12 and continuing the business after his Dad’s passing.  In 1978 he moved the shop to Stow, MA, and in 2002 to Sterling, MA. Henri retired at age 86.  

Henri valued education. He obtained his GED in 1965, then his Bachelor’s degree in Teaching from Fitchburg State in 1973, then his Master’s degree in 1975.

Henri taught shop in the Attleboro High School for many years, then at Waltham High School for twelve years.      

Henri was an avid sports fan, playing handball at the Newton YMCA as a young adult, then transitioning to hockey, playing goalie in mid-life.  He was an avid fan of the Red Sox, Patriots and Bruins.   

Henri is survived by his children, Susan Mahoney and husband Paul, Karen Savoie and husband Paul, his daughter-in-law Joanne LaRosee, and his son William LaRosee and his wife Kathleen.  He is also survived by a dear friend Mark Douglas, twelve grandchildren and eighteen great grandchildren.  He was predeceased by his son Richard LaRosee. 

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Henri on Saturday, April 13, 2024, from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Fowler-Kennedy Funeral Home, 42 Concord Street, Maynard. His Funeral Service will be celebrated at the conclusion of the visitation at 12:30 p.m. followed by the burial at Brookside Cemetery at 36 Gleasondale Road, Stow, Mass. 

In lieu of flowers gifts in Henri’s memory may be made to: MSPCA Animal Care and Adoption 350 South Huntington Ave, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 or Tufts Medicine Care at Home Hospice 360 Merrimack Street, Suite 425, Lawrence, MA 01843.   ATTN: Corporate Communications.