Ross Americo LaFoca, 77, of Exeter and Clermont, Florida, passed into eternal rest on Tuesday, August 15, 2017, following a long battle with heart disease. He and his wife, Barbara Monka LaFoca, celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary on February 23rd.
Born and raised in Pittston, he was the eldest son of the late Sandy "Chick" and Josephine Baiera LaFoca. He was a graduate of Pittston High School, Class of 1958. Ross enlisted and served in the US Army from August 1960 to February 1965, with an honorable discharge and completion of service. He began his career in the transportation industry following his graduation from Rutgers University Transportation and Traffic Management Program. He had worked for Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Acme Fast Freight, RCA and N.E.P.S.C.A.
Throughout his life he was involved in several civic organizations. He was a former Vice President of the Jenkins Twp. Little League. He also served as a manager for several years for Little League teams.
Ross was also a long standing member of the Jenkins Township Lions Club. He had served as Past President, Past Secretary 1998-99 and also was Region 1 Zone B-Chairman. He also received many other awards over the years which included the Melvin Jones Fellow Award – For Dedicated Humanitarian Services Lions Clubs International Foundation, the International President’s Certificate of Appreciation 2000-2001 and the Fellow Award for Meritorious Support to the Lions of Pennsylvania Foundation in 2002.
He was an active member of the Plains American Legion Post 558. He was a member of the Montedoro Society, Pittston and the South Pittston Social Club.
He was a member of Corpus Christi Parish, West Pittston and St. Faustina Church, Florida.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Dr. Santo LaFoca, Dallas; daughters, Karen Carbaugh, Dallas and Deborah Hewitt, New York; 9 grandchildren, Jordan, Jeffrey, and Jillian Simon; Samarah, Brianna, Mia and Alexia LaFoca, and Benjamin and Iseabailla Hewitt; brothers, James LaFoca, Pittston and Sandy LaFoca, Jr., Wilkes-Barre; two nieces, a nephew and many friends.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday at 11:00 AM at Corpus Christi Parish 605 Luzerne Ave, West Pittston, to be celebrated by Fr. Robert Simon.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects from 10:30 AM until the time of the mass, at the church.
Military services will be conducted by Plains American Legion Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association 968 Postal Road
Suite #110 Allentown, PA 18109.