LaRocca was born in San Francisco, California. LaRocca was of swarthy complexion and heavy build. He was a close associate of infamous Bay Area mafia boss James "Jimmy the Hat" Lanza. His only known arrest came on June 27, 1939 for investigation but he was subsequently discharged. He was the father of Leo LaRocca and Annette LaRocca Lippi. LaRocca allegedly remained active in San Francisco crime family affairs until his death in 1985 of natural causes.