PAUL CHARLES LAROSA (September 18, 1917-January 28, 1968), was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Salvatore and Elizabeth LaRosa, he was the second oldest of four children. His older sister, Bessie, died at the age of 12 from Rheumatic Fever and his baby brother Michael, died of pneumonia at two. Paul’s younger brother Frank moved to South Carolina in 1948 after serving in the US Navy.

Paul demonstrated his talent for singing at a very early age. With a sweet voice that later matured into a crooning tenor, he left New York and attended Newberry College on a full music scholarship. While at Newberry, he honed his talent by singing with the Newberry College Orchestra, traveling the eastern seaboard during the summer playing engagements from Atlantic City to Miami.

While at Newberry, he met Mary McIntosh from Lynchburg, S. C. and they married in the 1943. The young couple took up residency in Columbia where Paul continued to his love for music. While attending the University of South Carolina, he sang with the USC Dance Band. Returning during the sixties for the now famous "Tea Dances" at USC’s Homecoming celebrations. He later sang with the Woody Woodward Orchestra making his mark as the "young crooner" that reminded many of Frank Sinatra.

Since his music was an avocation, he worked as the physical education teacher at Hand Jr. High, a job that he loved and where he was able to help young boys of the Columbia area develop into successful young men. Later, he became the Public Relations Manager for Pet Dairies, here in Columbia. He later moved to what was Edisto Dairy, now a part of Coburg Dairy. At the time of his death, he was a Coordinator with the SC Department of Mental Health.

In the 50’s Paul took a leap of faith and started his own dance band. Known as the Paul LaRosa Sextet, his group quickly caught fire and it was not long before the group was booked most weekends out of the year. His band’s style was a combination of swing and current hits of the time.

This original group consisted of piano, bass, clarinet/sax, drums, trombone and jazz violin. Their unique style and blend gave them a popular smooth sound, enjoyed by both young and old. Playing at the old Jefferson Hotel, Columbia Hotel and Wade Hampton Hotels, for special events and debutante dances was common. The Sextet also played a long-standing contract at the Market Restaurant for many years.

Paul and Mary had two children, Charles and Libby, who grew up with both of their parents very active in their schools and outside activities. Paul was a Little League Coach for a number of years, President of the Rosewood Elementary School PTA, and served as an elected member on the former Richland County District 5 School Board (Lower Richland Schools) from 1962 until 1967.

Paul was one of the original founders of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church where he sang in the Men’s Choir until his death. The highlight for those who knew him was his singing of "O Holy Night" at midnight mass every year.

Paul died January 28, 1968 after a lengthy battle with rheumatoid arthritis and its side effects. He was 50 years old. On the foot marker on his grave it is inscribed, "To Know Him Was To Love Him". He loved and adored his Italian heritage. He was proud to be an Italian American.

Charles and Libby, both residents of the Columbia area, are very proud of the legacy and principles their father passed to them. Both demonstrate their sense of serving their community and giving back through the work they have done and continue to do professionally and personally.

Although Paul did not live to see or know his grandchildren, Charles and Libby made sure that they grew up knowing who their grandfather was, through stories and by enjoying his music through records, tapes and now even CDs that friends and fellow band members have shared.

Paul’s family is well represented in our lodge through memberships of his son Charles and wife Polly LaRosa and their son Paul and his wife Dawn; and Paul’s daughter Libby LaRosa Green.