Michael LaRocco Obituary

I was just thinking about Mike and wondered if I could get a hold of him. I was very sad to find this. Michael was my friend and "beloved guru. " He taught me to meditate and helped lead me to the Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads. James would have to dig really deep into his memory because he was very young at the time, but l think it would have been a powerful enough experience to leave a lasting memory- I took him and his father on a canoe trip down the Kankakee river one hot summer day and Michael tipped the canoe! We weren't wearing our life jackets because it was so hot, but I immediately swam up behind James and put one on him. I told Mike that we would all end up in the water if he didn't quit doing what he was doing, but he didn't listen to me! Except for losing some personal possessions, everything turned out okay. Even though he was my teacher for eight years, I think he was always a little embarrassed about that incident. I am sorry to learn so late about his passing, and would like to offer my extremely belated condolences to his family and everyone concerned.

Thank you for all the wonderful life lessons you taught me on a professional level; and all the wonderful lessons you taught me during our relationship. You will never be forgotten, dear friend. You changed your world and many others, including mine, in such a beautiful way. Namaste.

My dear Godfather, Such a kind and gentle man,

He was a phenomenal teacher. I no longer have his cassette tape. Does anyone know how I can get a copy? Thanks,He was a phenomenal teacher. I no longer have his cassette tape. Does anyone know how I can get a copy? Thanks

James:
Not sure if you remember me, but I dated your Dad for quite a while when you were little. We went downtown together to see the Nutcracker and had many fun times together. I was shocked to see that your Dad died. You were the light in his life, James. He loved you dearly. As you already know, your Dad was a very special person. Kind, thoughtful, funny and an inspiration to those around him. I will always remember him.

I was so sorry and shocked to learn about Mike's passing.I took classes from him at one of the steel mills and then in Highland.He was a gentle soul and always asked about my family. if there was something going on in my family,he would say,"I will add them to my prayer list".He shared the same birthday as my mom,July 16,and he mentioned he loved strawberry rhubarb pie,so I bought him a pie for his birthday once.Mike always spoke so lovingly of his son.I so wish I could have a tape of his instructions.My condolences to his family. Marta Rios

I am sad to find out about Mike's passing. I had taken yoga for over 15 years with him and considered him to be such an influence on my life. My condolences to his son and family. "May peace be with us and all the people of the world"

I took my first yoga classes with Mike back in the early 90's. Such a sweet guy. I just thought about him and was sad to see that he had passed away so recently. I found a tape of his yoga class, now I need to find a tape player to hear his voice. Namaste Mike.

I dated Mike in college for a brief time. He was such an amazing person. We had such great times together. My deepest sympathies to his son.

I am deeply saddened by the passing of this gentle soul. He will surely be missed by many. He was my yoga instructor for at least 15 years and the main reason that I stayed practicing. I am thankful to have his lesson on tape so that I can continue to hear his voice, which always settles my mind and helps me center myself within. My condolences to his family.

"Peace. May peace be with us and all the being of the universe" (ML).

Catherine Kardelis

Was saddened to learn of Mike's passing. He had been my Yoga instructor at Moraine Valley for a few years now. Always enjoyed his classes, and learned a lot from him. His teaching style of classical Yoga was very enjoyable. His knowledge of Yoga was vast, and he shared that knowledge freely and readily with his students. He became a friend, as well as an instructor, and his teaching style helped us all. I will miss him. Condolences and prayers to his son, James, his brothers, and all his family and friends.

When I learned today about his death, it was very sad news. I will miss him a lot and his yoga classes which I was taking for 6 years at Morraine Valley Community College. He was a great instructor and a great person with a good heart. His Yoga classes were the best.

I was so sorry to hear of Mike LaRocco's passing. I was one of his yoga students at the Blue Island Park District since about 1998. He was a great instructor and truly a nice man. I learned a lot from him. He will be missed by so many of us. My sincere condolences to his family and may he rest in peace.

Sincerely,
Leslie Wierzbicki

My condolences go out to the LaRocco family. I studied with Mike for over 20 years and his knowledge, kindness and dedication to the practice of yoga have been a tremendous benefit in my life and, I'm sure, in the lives of many of his students. Mike will be deeply missed.

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Michael. I worked with him through the Merrillville Adult & Continuing Education Program for 20 years up until I retired at the end of June, 2014. I always enjoyed talking with Michael. I appreciated and respected him highly for his professionalism in teaching his Yoga class!! I also liked Michael very much and knew that he was a very good and honest person!!! I learned a lot from him throughout the years. May all the sweet memories help comfort his family in this time of sorrow!

Sincerely,

Robyn L. Huffman

Rest in peace my dear Godfather

My Deepest Sympathy to the LaRocco family. Mike was a wonderful Yoga instructor that taught for many years at Moraine Valley. He will be truly missed.

Kathy Stearns

Condolences to LOU and entire Larocco family. Prayers are with you.

Al Capasso '63