Leon A. LaRosa, Jr. was an active mentor during the Trust's annual caddie workshop.

Longtime JWP Trustee, Treasurer LaRosa dies at age 69

  Leon A. LaRosa, Jr., a J. Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship Trustee who dedicated more than 25 years of service, died on March 19 at the age of 69.

  LaRosa, of Exton, Pa., joined the board in 1988 and became its treasurer in 1990. In 1996, he left the board because of term limitations, but was invited back in 1997 following a change to the Trust’s bylaws. LaRosa resumed his post as treasurer in 1999 and served in that capacity until 2015.

  “All the years I knew Leon, there was only one way he knew to do anything, and that was the right way,” Jack Endicott, the Trust’s chairman from 2009-15, said. “He was always straightforward and willing to tell us when there were problems, either with tax laws or our numbers in general. He never cut corners. He told us where we were going and what we could expect. He always put the Trust first.”

  As treasurer, LaRosa played a key role in the creation of the Trust’s Lifetime Membership Program, which began in 1994 as a vehicle for donors to make lasting contributions. He also acted as guiding hand for the Trust post 9/11 and during the Great Recession, when fundraising efforts for charitable organizations grew exponentially in difficulty.

  “The formula that he established was one that held the Trust in good stead so we didn’t overspend but did what we could do for the kids,” Dr. David Junkin, the Trust’s chairman from 1993-2003, said. “He was invaluable in freely giving his advice and counsel for our financial situation. Every meeting, he would give a very concise report that was easy for a doctor to understand. He was very visible and active — a strong proponent of the Trust.”

  In addition to fulfilling his responsibilities as treasurer, LaRosa actively participated in the Trust’s Caddie-Scholar interviews. He also served as a faithful mentor during the organization’s annual caddie workshop.

  “He loved helping the kids,” Endicott, 71, of Dresher, Pa., said. “He meant a lot to the Trust, and it meant so much to him. He couldn’t have been a better friend to the Trust.”

  “There are very few Trustees in the history of the J. Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship Trust that have served longer, or with more passion, than Leon LaRosa,” Mark Peterson, the Golf Association of Philadelphia’s Executive Director, added. “His dedication as a treasurer, a fundraiser and a mentor has allowed the J. Wood Platt Trust to thrive during the 26 years of his service. He will be greatly missed.”

  LaRosa was a longtime Whitford Country Club member and past president. He worked as a Certified Professional Accountant for firms including Arthur Young, Rudolph Palitz & Co., Zelenkofske, Axelrod & Company (CBIZ), Eisner Amper and LaRosa & Associates, LLC. LaRosa was also a Certified Fraud Examiner as well as an adjunct professor at both Widener University, his alma mater, and La Salle University for more than 30 years.

  In addition to the J. Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship Trust, LaRosa served non-profit boards for the American Red Cross, Burn Foundation, Greater Philadelphia Scholastic Golf Association and First Tee of Greater Philadelphia.

  LaRosa is survived by his wife of 46 years, Margaret (Peggy), sons David and Andrew, daughters Renee Woodworth and Suzanne Ives, grandchildren Nicholas, Christopher, Molly, Marci, Jake, Lily, Sophia, Clifford, Wesley and his siblings Robert and Marianne Quinty.

  Relatives and friends may attend his memorial mass on Wednesday, March 23 at noon at SS Philip & James Catholic Church, Ship Road & Lincoln Highway, Exton. Friends may visit from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Interment will be held privately at a later date.

  Memorial contributions in LaRosa’s memory may be made to the J. Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship Trust, 1974 Sproul Road, Suite 400 Broomall, PA 19008 or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at www.jdrf.org. To send on-line condolences, visit www.jamesterryfuneralhome.com.

Golf Association of Philadelphia
  Founded in 1897, the Golf Association of Philadelphia (GAP) is the oldest regional golf association in the United States and serves as the principal ruling body of amateur golf in its region. Its 153 Full Member Clubs and 57,000 individual members are spread across parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. As Philadelphia’s Most Trusted Source of Golf Information, the Golf Association of Philadelphia’s mission is to promote, preserve and protect the game of golf.