Nathan La Rosa

Nathan Anthony La Rosa, 94, passed away Wednesday, October 27th in Modesto. He was born October 27, 1927 to parents, Ignatius and Carmella La Rosa in Pittsburg, California and moved to Stanislaus County as a young boy. He started working in agriculture and farming at an early age and continued to work into his eighties.

When he wasn’t working, Nathan enjoyed building this and loved piloting aircraft. He built his first plane and took the first flight at Modesto Airport in his experimental craft in 1969. Nathan also liked fishing, and crabbing and still went onto the water in his older years. He’ll be remembered for his strong work ethic and great sense of humor.

Nathan was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, and his son, Ignatius Anthony La Rosa; he is survived by his best friend and wife of 71 years, Mary Ann La Rosa; daughters, Kathryn Wilson, Karryn Morris, and Patricia McCauley; grandchildren, Craig Truglio, Christopher Truglio, Jennifer Campbell, Jill Rojas, Brian McCaulley, and Kimberly McCaulley, and 6 great-grandchildren.

A Vigil will be held Thursday, November 18th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with the Recitation of the Rosary at 6:00 p.m. at Franklin & Downs Funeral Home, 1050 McHenry Ave, in Modesto. A Graveside Service will follow on Friday, November 19th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery, 1141 Scenic Drive, in Modesto.

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