PATASKALA, OHIO – Gerald E. “Gerry” Larose, 71, of Pataskala, was Called Safely Home on Tuesday, December 8, 2020. He passed into Eternal Life at the Richard M. Ross Heart Hospital in Columbus, Ohio surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving wife, Linda. He was born in Holyoke, Massachusetts on February 13, 1949, a beloved son of the late Ernest L. Larose who was Called Home on January 4, 1981 and the late Irene R. (Angers) Larose who was Called Home on January 16, 2005. He was raised in Chicopee and graduated from Chicopee Comprehensive High School. He served his country in the United States Marine Corps in many battles including the Tet Offensive, which was one of the largest military campaigns during the Vietnam War and attained the rank of Lance Corporal. He received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with One Star and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. He later reenlisted in the United States Army and served his country a total of 20 years, retiring with the rank of Sergeant First Class. He received numerous medals and citations and retired in 1998. While serving in the military, he furthered his education and received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Troy University in Troy, Alabama. Following his military career, he was employed as an IT Database Analyst in Alabama and Ohio for 20 years and retired in 2018. An avid motorcyclist, he was often seen riding his Harley Davidson Tri-Glide and was proud to be a member of the Combat Vets Motorcycle Club in Columbus, OH. Above all, he loved spending time with his family, his many friends and will be sadly missed by his beloved cat, Furball. Gerry leaves his beloved wife and best friend, Linda (Gibson) Larose. They were married on December 17, 1988 in North Shields, England and were blessed with over 31 years of happiness together. He also leaves his two dear brothers, Robert L. Larose and his wife, Toni, of Westfield and Daniel T. Larose and his wife, Debbie, of Tolland, CT; his dear sister-in-law, Cecile Larose of Florida; and his many dear nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family members and friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Ernest R. Larose who was Called Home on June 18, 2011. Family and friends are invited to attend a Graveside Prayer Service with United States Army Military Honors on Friday, December 18, 2020 at 1 p.m. at Sainte Rose Cemetery, 49 Olsen Street, Chicopee, MA 01020, (please note that masks are required, social distancing must be observed and cemetery attendance is limited due to state regulations). There are no visiting hours at the St. Pierre-Phaneuf Aldenville Chapels, (413-532-9806), 13 Dale Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. His family will host a Celebration of Life for Gerry in the late Spring of 2021 and will advise family and friends at that time if they wish to attend. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that memorial donations be made in his memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516. For more details and to leave his family online condolences, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com