MELBOURNE, FL. With heavy hearts, the Rockledge community is mourning Mikey “Larry” Laskowski, the longtime coach and mentor who helped shape more than two decades of Raider football.
Laskowski served Rockledge for over 22 years, first as an assistant coach from 1993 to 2008 and then as head coach from late 2008 through December 2014.
His tenure included contributions to the Raider teams that won state championships in 2001 and 2002 and to many playoff seasons that followed.
Laskowski was respected not only for his football mind but for the way he treated people.
Tony Hines remembered him this way, writing, “He taught all with respect and kindness. The man had such a big heart and everyone loved him. I was fortunate to spend an hour and a half with him and Chuck Wood just a couple of weeks ago. We relived fond memories and laughed the time away. He is one of my favorite persons in my entire life and career. Rest in peace, my friend. Love ya.”
Short and to the point, Supa Sayin Juevy added, “Tony Hines we are Rockledge. We bleed raider blue, raider pride.”
That combination of competitive fire and human concern is why Laskowski’s name will not fade from Rockledge conversations.
Whether remembered for championship seasons or late-night talks that steered a young player back on track, his influence was practical and personal.
Colleagues and parents echoed that mixture of gratitude and sorrow. Bonita Holland wrote,
“My heart is heavy but so thankful that God brought this man to RHS and that we got to work together for over 22 years. He was a dedicated educator and coach and touched so many lives during his tenure as a Raider. He’s no longer in pain and for that, I’m thankful. Rest in peace Larry. Sending love to Mary Pat and their family.”
Former players described lessons that translated far beyond Friday nights. Will Brown said a pregame speech in 2001 inspired his college entrance essay titled “Failure was NOT an option.”
Tons of Tribute for the Former Coach
Brown added that the emphasis Coach Laskowski put on persistence stayed with him through difficult moments for 25 years.
LeDarius “LD” Smith wrote, “Coach Laskowski taught me a LOT. Toughness, grit, intensity. These are things that I carry with me to this day. You will be missed. Rest easy, coach. God bless the family during this tough loss.”
Other players remembered guidance and second chances. Kenny Lewis thanked Laskowski for giving “a lot of misguided young men purpose and guidance.”
David Brown recalled a personal low point when the coach stood by him, writing, “He stood by me when I struggled where I was at a low point that I will never forget. I will miss you Coach.”
CJ Luce called him “a mentor, a friend, and a significant source of inspiration,” and Ethan Macheras called playing under Laskowski “truly one of the best” experiences of his life.
The outpouring included small, human memories that together paint a fuller picture of the man. Bo Bohacs noted that the last time he saw Coach Laskowski he was smiling, remembering “Always a smile and positive attitude.”
Bill Macheras, who announced games with Laskowski, wrote, “He was an amazing coach, mentor, leader, and just an all around good guy. He will surely be missed.”
Sue Haggerty offered “Deepest sympathies to the entire Laskowski family,” and dozens more sent prayers, photos, and short notes of thanks.
The outpouring was wide and consistent: messages of gratitude, memories of small kindnesses, and photographs of a coach who always seemed to be smiling.
Beyond the tributes, Laskowski’s family asked that remembrances be practical.
Mary Pat Laskowski requested donations instead of flowers to the Raider QB Club or Rolling Readers Space Coast, causes meant to support the program and the community he loved.
A celebration and lunch buffet will follow from 12:30 to 5 pm at the Crowne Plaza Grand Ballroom, 2605 N Highway A1A, Indialantic.
The family has invited the community to attend and to share memories of a coach who invested in people as much as in the scoreboard.
For many of those whose lives he touched, the wins matter less than the person Laskowski helped them become.
“My heart goes out to you and your family and Coach I’ll forever Miss you and love you, for what you have done for my life words can’t explain. Bless your family, and I hope that they forever live your legacy,” Aundrey Strong Jr. wrote.
That plea to carry the legacy forward captured what so many wrote in different ways: remember the lessons, pass them on, and keep Raider pride alive.
As Rockledge prepares to gather and to grieve, the common theme is gratitude.
Gratitude for a coach who taught toughness and tenacity, and more importantly for a man who taught respect, care, and perseverance.
For teaching toughness and tenacity, certainly, but more so for teaching young people how to carry themselves with respect, perseverance, and kindness. Those lessons will be the living legacy of Mikey “Larry” Laskowski.
Those lessons live on in every player who learned from him and in every member of the community who saw him lead.
Rest in peace, Coach. Your work in classrooms, on the field, and in the lives you shaped will continue through those you coached and those who loved you.
