Peter Edwin La Roche

Dr. Peter Edwin La Roche, 74, of Centreville, Virginia, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2024, at his home with his wife Mary by his side after a long battle with cancer. Born on May 20, 1950, in Auckland, New Zealand, he was the beloved son of the late Trevor La Roche and Ethel Holden La Roche. Peter is survived by his devoted wife of 46 years, Mary La Roche; his daughters, Charlotte Fitzsimmons (husband Patrick Fitzsimmons, Jr.) and Alicia La Roche (husband Aaron Braun); his sister, Diane Cantwell; and his four cherished grandchildren, Kayden and Emmy Fitzsimmons, and Ryker and Cora Braun. He was a loving husband, father, brother, and grandfather who will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Peter had many passions in life but most of all his unwavering love for his wife, family and friends burned the brightest. Mary and Peter were loving companions for 50 years, meeting in 1974 at Cornell University. Their early years took them on many adventures from a honeymoon hiking through Glacier Park to a three month trip throughout Europe.They moved from Wellington, New Zealand to Madison, WI, where their two daughters were born. Hiking and skiing became shared family interests along with regular trips to visit family in Minnesota, New Zealand and Australia. As his daughters grew, Peter enthusiastically supported their studies, athletics and interests. Peter had a lifelong love of learning and was an avid reader of history and philosophy from a young age. As an adult Peter’s academic journey began at the University of Auckland, where he earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in mathematics. As a Fulbright Scholar, he continued his studies at Cornell University, specializing in recursion and model theory. In 1978, Peter earned his Ph.D. from Cornell, with his groundbreaking doctoral research looking at the computability of classical mathematics and his thesis specifically focused on Galois Theory. It remains influential today due to its applications to computer science. Peter held senior management consulting positions at Kraft in Madison, WI and Arthur D. Little and Decision/Analysis Partners in Washington, D.C. He applied his experience in operations improvement, manufacturing strategy and logistics to help transform major corporations & organizations, including the U.S. Coast Guard and Postal Service. In retirement he enjoyed winery outings with friends, European travel with Mary and used his interest and skills in computer technology and home improvement to create a state-of-the-art home theater. Peter had a passion for music and socializing, which often went together. He can be remembered bursting into song at any moment, reliving his childhood days singing in the choir and taking the lead in school musicals. Peter brought joy and laughter to those around him. He was a masterful storyteller. With a wine in hand, he was always ready to tell a joke or story. Peter’s legacy of love, intellect, and humor will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him. He will be dearly missed. A memorial service to honor Peter’s life will be held at Pierce Funeral Home. Visitation begins at 12:30pm on July 18th, followed by a memorial service at 1:30pm. A celebration of life reception will be held directly after in the Barrel Room at The Winery at Bull Run, 15950 Lee Highway, VA. In remembrance of Peter, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to the American Association for Cancer Research.

Peter Edwin La Roche

May 20, 1950 - May 23, 2024