Obituary of Melchiore LaRosa

Melchiore Peter La Rosa passed away on May 24th, 2009 in his home under the loving care of his family and Treasure Coast Hospice.

Mel was born October 16, 1940 in Fairport, NY to the late Pietro La Rosa and Angeline Pignato La Rosa. He was the youngest of 4 children.

Mel graduated from Fairport High School June 1958. He then attended Cortland State College where he graduated with his B.S. degree in Mathematics. While attending Cortland he played Varsity football and was the treasurer and sergeant of arms of the Delta Kappa Beta Fraternity. Mel then furthered his education and attended Stony Brook University where he received his M.S. in Mathematics.

Mel's first teaching job was at Bloomfield High School and it was during this time he met his first wife Alida Petraglia and they had two daughters. Mel was also an avid showman of Doberman Pinchers. Later, Mel taught at Lindenhurst High school where he met his second wife Donna Johnson and her two daughters. Together they moved to Stuart, Fl in 1974 where he finished out his career in mathematics at Martin County High School. Mel was the assistant wrestling coach and football coach as well as class sponsor for many years.

Mel was preceded in death by his daughter Lisa Simms and his two sisters, Vivian Grainger and Josephine King.

He is survived by his children: Jackie Nisa and husband Tom Nisa of Stuart, FL; Charisse Kissenberth and husband Andrew Kissenberth of Oviedo, FL; Erika Sinclair and husband Tim Sinclair of Stuart, FL. His grandchildren: Christopher Nisa and Angeline Nisa of Stuart, FL; Alexandra Kissenberth and Emily Kissenberth of Oviedo, Fl; Jordan Schulz of Stuart, FL; Madeline Simms and Olivia Simms of Palm Beach Gardens, FL; Sage Sinclair and Summer Sinclair of Stuart, Fl. His sister: Catherine Towner and husband Warren Towner. His former wives; Alida Liberty and Donna Strunk and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held May 28, 2009 at Forest Hills Funeral Home - Palm City Chapel between the hours of 1-3 and 5-7. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on May 29, 2009 at Holy Redemeer Catholic Church in Palm City, FL at 10 a.m.

An on line registry is available to sign and leave notes of condolence at www.foresthillspalmcityflorida.com .