Richard F. "Richie" LaRocque, of Peabody, died at the Sawtelle Family Hospice House on Oct. 6, 2018 at the age of 71. Richie was born in Cambridge, raised in Somerville and attended Somerville High School. After high school, Richie proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He resided in Somerville for many years, Melrose for 36 years and Peabody for the last 5 years. Richie worked as an Employees Committee Representative for the Polaroid Corporation for over 30 years before his retirement in 1999. He enjoyed playing cards every week with his friends, traveling to Aruba and family trips to Lake Winnipesaukee. Richie loved "oldies music", going to Foxwoods and was an avid Boston sports fan. He enjoyed cooking, playing cribbage and going out for dinner & dancing with friends. Richie was the beloved husband of Sheila M. (Squires) LaRocque for 47 years. Loving father of Michelle Connolly & her husband Christopher of Peabody. Cherished grandfather of Steven Mustone and Tyler & Logan Connolly, all of Peabody. Caring brother of Patricia Wright & her late husband Robert of Stoneham, Robert LaRocque of Yarmouthport, Lawrence LaRocque, Lorraine LeBlanc, both of Stoneham. Dear friend of Gerry Murray of NH. Also survived by nephews, nieces, relatives & friends. Visiting hours will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Monday, Oct. 15th from 4-7PM. A Funeral Service will be held at the Gately Funeral Home on Tuesday, Oct. 16th, 2018 at 10AM. Relatives & friends respectfully invited to attend. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl., Memphis, TN 38105.