Date of death: 10/29/2026
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1967
Paul Anthony LaRosa, 85, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away on October 29,2026, leaving behind a lifetime of laughter, love, unforgettable stories, and countless people who adored him.
To know Paul was to love him. He was a remarkably kind and gentle man and had an extraordinary ability to see the good in everyone. Among his siblings, Paul was known as the sweetest and kindest of them all. His sense of humor was legendary among those who knew him.
Paul was an unassuming man who never quite understood the impact he had on others. He believed his passing would be a quiet occasion, meaningful primarily to his family. He would have been genuinely surprised by the outpouring of affection from the many people whose lives he touched. He never sought attention or recognition. He simply treated people with kindness, found humor in ordinary moments, and made life better for those around him.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend, Paul approached life with enthusiasm, curiosity, a generous heart, and just enough mischief to keep everyone on their toes. He loved people, believed in their goodness, and rarely passed up an opportunity to have a little fun.
Born in Indianapolis to Salvatore Mazza LaRosa and Madeline Marie LaRosa (Danna), Paul grew up in a large and lively family on the Southside of Indianapolis. He was one of ten children, eight of whom lived to adulthood.
His childhood included memorable adventures with his siblings and many Italian cousins, especially the Bruno family of Marion, Ohio. When he was young, he developed a special relationship with his Aunt Josephine Mazza Bruno which grew into a loving kinship that endured the years.
Paul spent four and a half years at Saint Meinrad Seminary before deciding that the priesthood might not be his calling. With a little assistance from his brother Joe, he left the seminary and began a new chapter of his life. He would later be adopted into the Sacred Heart Class of 1959 and faithfully attended its reunions.
Paul’s Catholic faith remained an important foundation throughout his life. He was a member of St. Barnabas Catholic Church for nearly 50 years, where Sunday Mass and Holy Days were important traditions.
Paul graduated from Indiana University with a degree in social work. He later built a career in real estate on the Southside of Indianapolis, where he was known for his integrity, kindness, and genuine interest in the people he served and the colleagues he worked alongside.
The great love of Paul’s life was his wife, Kathleen (Kathy) Ilean Thomas, with whom he shared 53 years of marriage. They were two independent spirits who built a wonderful life together, grounded in love, friendship, family, and the simple pleasure of coming home to each other at the end of the day. Together, they created a home filled with laughter and love.
They raised two daughters, Gina and Mary. Paul delighted in sharing his curiosity and sense of adventure with his daughters, nieces and nephews. Whether it was stargazing, touch football, fishing, learning to drive a stick shift car, or playing ping pong, he found joy in life’s simple moments.
Paul was a man of many passions, and he pursued them wholeheartedly. Golf, Indiana University basketball and football, sports of nearly every kind, and his Corvette were among his favorites. When Paul found something he enjoyed, he went all in.
He loved music and was an enthusiastic fan of America’s Got Talent and Britain’s Got Talent. He also loved animals, most recently his orange tailless cat, Bob.
As a grandfather, affectionately known as “Pops,” Paul adored his grandchildren, Ava and Will. His time with them was filled with adventures, laughter, and the occasional bending of the rules.
On one memorable visit, five-year-old Will persuaded Pops to take him to the playground instead of returning him to his classroom. As Will ran around whooping and yelling with delight for the other kids to hear, Pops stood watching, thoroughly enjoying every minute.
When his granddaughter Ava was born, Paul drove from Indianapolis to South Bend and back the same day for the simple pleasure of holding her in his arms. He couldn’t wait another day to meet her.
During his short time at Otterbein SeniorLife in Franklin, Indiana, Paul continued doing what he had always done: making friends and bringing smiles to those around him. He developed relationships with fellow residents and the dedicated staff who care for them all with extraordinary kindness, patience and affection. His family will always be grateful for the friendship, compassion, and genuine love they showed Paul and his family.
Paul is survived by his beloved wife, Kathy; his daughters, Gina LaRosa Benedict and Mary LaRosa; his son-in-law, Matt Benedict; his grandchildren, Ava Benedict and Will Benedict. His beloved siblings: Joe LaRosa, Mary Lou Morrison, Josephine Beck Jennings, Antoinette (Ed) Connolly, Sal (Ron Bentley) LaRosa and Fran (Jim) Klene; his brothers-in-law: Ben Thomas and John Thomas; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, golf partners, and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Salvatore and Madeline LaRosa; his sisters, Mary LaRosa and Rita LaRosa; his brother, Mike LaRosa; his in-laws: Dee LaRosa, Dian LaRosa, Charlie Beck, Jim Morrison and Bill Jennings.
Paul never understood how much he meant to others. The countless stories, laugher and love he leaves behind tell the story of a man whose kindness reached further than he ever imagined. He lived a life filled with the things that mattered most to him: family, faith, friendship, and the simple joy of being with people he loved.
https://www.flannerbuchanan.com/obituaries/paul-larosa