Springfield, N.H. —
Tom was born Jan. 20, 1949, in Nashville, Tenn. He was the second of four children born to James M. LaRoy, a successful entrepreneur, and Virginia L. (Taldon) LaRoy, a homemaker. Tom was a boy when the family moved from Tennessee to Florida, graduating from Plantation High School in 1967. After a visit that summer to the Lake Sunapee area, Tom returned in 1968 to make New Hampshire his permanent home. A longtime resident of Sunapee, his last 20 years were spent in Springfield.
For over 40 years Tom made a living as a hard-working painter, employed primarily by Lake Sunapee Painting, having retired in just the last few years. In his spare time, Tom was an avid reader, enjoying both fiction and non-fiction—especially on controversial topics he could debate with others. Tom also liked to travel, with Ireland being one of his favorite destinations where he indulged in another long-time interest—golf. He loved golf, playing with family and friends both locally and on his many travel adventures, and as often as possible.
Most of all, Tom was happiest when spending time with friends. His large community of friends included people from his childhood in Florida, to the folks he met when he first arrived in New Hampshire, and the many more he made along the way. Tommy, as he was often called by those who loved him, had friends from everywhere and from all walks of life. He connected well with most people, and genuinely enjoyed visiting, dining, traveling, playing poker and “partying” with all of them. He had a great sense of humor, infectious laugh, and an honest spirit that will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He was predeceased by his parents, Jim and Ginny, and his infant sister, Renée.
Tom is survived by a daughter, Leslie Renée (LaRoy) Tait, and her husband, Brian of Newport, N.H.; son, Matthew Thomas LaRoy of Chicago, Ill.; brother, Mickey LaRoy and his wife, Mary Catherine of Tampa, Fla.; sister, Milane LaRoy of Homestead, Fla.; and a nephew, Joey LaRoy and his family of Tampa, Fla. Tom is also survived by his dearest friends who were like family to him, and the additional family of his heart, TJ Yurek and son, Ty. And a special little girl named Lily.
The family is planning a public celebration of life on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2 p.m., at the Lake Sunapee Country Club, 289 Country Club Lane, New London, N.H.
Memorial donations may be made to the Upper Valley Humane Society, 300 Old Route 10, Enfield, NH 03748.