MEDWAY: Roch E. "Rocky" LaVault

Fair Winds and Following Seas|Captain Roch "Rocky" LaVault, born June 2nd, 1942, recently of Medway, MA, but formerly of Cumberland, RI for nearly 50 years, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 26th, 2025, at the age of 82, at Sawtelle Hospice House in Reading MA, surrounded by his family.

Roch had recently lost his wife, Carol, who passed away in December of last year. He met her on a blind date, and after dating for several years, married, and stayed together for an additional 56 years until her recent passing. He often said that all the hard work he performed in his life was so that she and their two sons could have better lives of their own.

After serving in the navy early in life, Roch followed up his naval service as a ship captain in the merchant marines for over three decades, with a career that took him around the world many times. He was one of the few people in the world who possessed an unlimited master mariner license, for any size ship, upon any oceans. Roch would often captivate his family and friends with stories about his voyages around the world, such as fending off pirates, or carrying military munitions on his ship during the Gulf War. He always seemed to have a new story that even his family hadn't heard yet.

Growing up in East Providence, RI, but spending summers throughout his entire life in Westport, MA, Roch or "Rocky" as his friends and family called him, enjoyed boating on the Westport River, and would often spend long hours as a child, and into adulthood, trying everything he could to get out on the water. Later in life, he spent hours teaching his two sons how to navigate properly and be responsible on the water.

In addition to his mariner background, Roch enjoyed cooking. He loved to make meals for his family, especially around the holidays. His family always could rely on Roch to have some sort of new cookware or kitchen gadget that he was excited to try out for his family meals, or a new recipe he saw on TV. Some of his favorite memories were when he organized clam bakes for his family at his cottage in Westport, MA.

A loving father of two sons, two grandchildren, and a recent widower of his wife, Carol, of 56 years, Roch always led a life where he would sacrifice for his family. His biggest concern was always for their care and comfort, above his own, and he will be greatly missed.

Roch leaves behind his son Randy LaVault and his partner, Lea Grady, and stepson, Tyler Walsh, of Merrimack, NH, his son Ronald LaVault and spouse Kristin LaVault of Southborough, MA, his beloved grandchildren Kaylin LaVault and Ryan LaVault of Southborough, MA, and his sisters, Elaine Smith of Marlton, NJ and Bernice LaVault of Cumberland, RI.

In lieu of formal services at this time, the family will plan a remembrance celebration for Roch at a future date.

ONLINE MEMORIAL: jjduffyfuneralhome.com