John Ross Laronda was a graduate of the American Firefighters Academy and served with Freetown Fire Department in Freetown, Massachusetts from 2010-2013. John was a third-generation manager of his family’s automotive business, John’s Auto Body and Towing, in Freetown, until 2013, when he relocated to Altavista, Virginia. In Altavista, he managed the family-owned Perkins Twin Tire as the self-proclaimed “Top Man” and quickly found acceptance by the local community.
John became a volunteer firefighter for the Altavista Fire Company and rose to the rank of captain. He found an extended family in the Altavista Fire Company and was quick to share his fire and rescue knowledge with his comrades. Even though he liked working in automotive repair, his passion was being a firefighter/EMT, and he had dreams of becoming a full-time firefighter.
John’s family has felt an outpouring of support from the communities that he served, and it is clear that he made a lasting impact. He was eager to help others without expectation of praise or compensation. John made people smile, often with his witty personality and small acts of kindness. He enjoyed spending time with his rescue dogs. Just as in life, he continued to help others after death, as seven recipients were saved by his donated organs.
John has even left us with words of encouragement that summarize his strong faith, with a tattoo he got shortly before his death that read, “God gives His toughest battles to His strongest soldiers.” John is an inspiration to many and will be forever in the hearts of his parents, sisters, twin brother, friends, and comrades of the Freetown and Altavista fire departments.
John Ross, our hearts are heavy. The communities will always remember your kind soul. Until we meet again.
– Tracey LarondaWe love you and miss you so much.
John Ross was blessed with amazing parents who raised a friendly, kind, loving, dependable and hardworking, courageous individual. His memory lives on in many hearts. That’s how we remember John Ross.
– Don & Betty BissonnetteJohn Ross Laronda was more than just your average firefighter in a small town. He cared and had passion for what he did, big or small, but nevertheless always impactful, especially to those closest to him. I remember once specific evening, we were having dinner at a local steakhouse in town, and he dropped everything for an accident that had occurred a few miles down the highway. It was never a question or a second thought for him to jump into action and help those in need. This one moment was just a small glimpse into the daily efforts that he contributed to ensure the safety and well-being of a small town that desperately relied on dedicated volunteers such as John to keep our community safe. He is a missed hero in our small town and will continue to live on through each of us with the heavy impact he left on our community. Continue to rest easy, John Ross. “We will take it from here”.
– Peyton MundyJohn Ross was really one of the good guys. He was always truly interested and empathetic when listening to you. He is missed, but will forever be remembered through his family, friends and memories he left behind. John and Tracy, you were blessed to have a son like him and the legacy he left for others to strive for.
– Ed WallerHas inspired me through my career, and then many runs and calls I respond to I know my cousin is watching over me.
– Kathryn SayersJohn Ross~our family’s hero for eternity❤️
– WendyJohn Ross~out family’s hero for eternity❤️
– Wendy ButtrickJohn Ross~our family’s hero for eternity ❤️
– Wendy Buttrick