Edward Baybayan LaRosa Jr. was born on August 26,1946 in Auburn, Washington. The son of a Filipino immigrant father, and a 2nd generation Norwegian immigrant mother, he grew up in humble beginnings with a strong work ethic instilled into him. From helping on the family farm to spending summers working at fishing processing plants in Alaska, he loved to work and save money to help others.

Ed loved school and athletics, excelling in both. Achieving success as an athlete at Auburn High School (1961-1964), he earned a baseball scholarship to Columbia Basin College (CBC) in Pasco, Washington but was eventually recruited to play basketball at the same school, where they won the WAACC Championship. Ed went on to graduate from Eastern Washington College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education in 1971.

Ed met his wife Beth Hembree while attending CBC. They were married in Kennewick, Washington in 1967 and their children soon followed: Lisa (1967) and Eddie (1968). As a young family, they moved to Granger, Washington for Ed’s first teaching job as a math and physical education teacher, as well as the head boys’ basketball coach. Ed was most proud of coaching the team to its first trip to the State Basketball tournament in 1978, a memory he cherished greatly.

After two quick years teaching and coaching in St. Helens, Oregon (1978-1980), Ed relocated his family to Kennewick, Washington, where he quickly demonstrated that he was a gifted teacher and coach. In the classroom, he simplified subjects in a way that helped students learn and retain knowledge. He used the same approach in each sport he coached throughout the years – boys’ and girls’ basketball, football, baseball, and volleyball – coupled with his passion for teaching and coaching to develop young student athletes in preparation for life experiences. He was also well known for reciting motivational quotes (he loved Vince Lombardi).

Throughout his younger years, Ed played recreational softball and traveled to Japan as part of the Harlem Clowns’ opposing basketball team known as the Indians to promote cross cultural relationships. He also served as a volunteer firefighter in Granger.

In 1993 he gave his life to the Lord, beginning a new life as a born-again believer. He became a coffee roaster for Starbucks and Green Mountain Coffee (Keurig) fully embracing his new career. He loved to get his weekly supply of coffee and give it away to all his friends and family to bless them.

But it was his love of family and fishing that was his ultimate legacy. He passed on his wisdom and work ethic to his daughter Lisa and son Eddie and was most proud of the adults they became and the families they raised. He never missed a moment to brag about his kids and grandkids. He loved to go to their sporting events and was so happy to be able to travel to Germany to watch granddaughter Hailey play volleyball.

In his later years, Ed spent much of his time in his happy place, fishing at Mineral Lake in the shadow of Mt. Rainier. It was there he found his Lake Family – friends to share stories with and appreciate the slower life. He loved taking people out on his boat, especially people he would randomly meet at the lake, so they could experience the thrill of catching fish. He would light up retelling the stories about these experiences.

Ed loved his brothers and sisters – Larry, Joanne, Roger, Linda, and Rob. Linda and Rob traveled to Auburn in recent summers where they enjoyed cooking, eating, fishing, and sharing their lightning quick humor that each sibling possessed. This past summer, Ed, Linda, and Rob traveled to Stockton, California for the LaRosa/Laroza family reunion, where Ed was fortunate to have one last chance to reunite with family from all over the world.

Ed leaves behind ex-wife Beth LaRosa; daughter Lisa LaRosa and son Eddie LaRosa; grandchildren Tony LaRosa, Justin Hepler, Ashley Cosenza, Hunter and Hailey LaRosa; and great grandchildren Angelo Lima, Paisley, Sutton, and Collins Cosenza, and Ethan Hepler. He also leaves behind sister Linda Fudge (Tom) of Anniston, Alabama; brother Rob LaRosa of Jacksonville, Florida; and many nephews, nieces, and cousins. Ed was preceded in death by his parents Ed (1972) and Lou LaRosa (2001); sister Joanne Schulte (2005), and brothers Roger LaRosa (2008) and Larry LaRosa (2014).

Note: In lieu of a formal service, there will be a celebration of life event on the weekend of August 1-3. Details will be provided at a later date via social media.