A Hingham man who died in a boat crash off Nantasket Beach in Hull on Aug. 9 is being remembered by his friends and family.
Michael LaRhette, 56, was found unresponsive in the water after the Massachusetts State Police Marine Unit and U.S. Coast Guard responded to the beach to investigate a report of a capsized boat around noon that day. He was taken by boat to a Coast Guard station where he was declared dead.
Michael “Mike” Allen LaRhette was born Jan. 9, 1969, to Allen LaRhette and Joyce Riley, according to his obituary. He grew up in Windham, Maine, and attended Cheverus High School — a Jesuit high school in Portland.
LaRhette was a proud graduate of Boston College, according to his obituary. The friendships he formed there became “a cherished part of his life.”
“For decades, he never missed the group’s annual reunion trip, proud to be the only member with a perfect attendance record — a reflection of his loyalty and devotion to the ones he loved,” his obituary reads.
Later on, LaRhette attended Boston University and earned a masters degree in psychology, according to his obituary. Following his graduation, he spent a year in Jamaica teaching english at an all-girls school and coaching the local boys’ high school basketball team.
“His career reflected this lifelong commitment to helping others grow and succeed,” his obituary reads. “Throughout his most recent positions as President of MassChallenge and Chief Business Officer of LabCentral, Mike’s leadership was defined by kindness and an inspirational belief in the potential of others. His ability to think strategically and bring people together left a mark on the biotech and life sciences community.”
LaRhette was married to his wife, Jennifer LaRhette, for 25 years, according to his obituary.
“Mike and Jennifer filled their home with love and laughter, raising their two sons, Nate and Ben, who were the pride of his life,” his obituary reads.
LaRhette “found immense joy” in coaching his sons’ youth basketball and baseball teams, attending sports events and hosting friends at his home, according to his obituary. He also loved traveling and took his family on trips to locations such as Thailand, Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand and Paris.
“He adored his dog, Charlotte, whose companionship, on and off the water, brought him great comfort,” his obituary reads.
LaRhette enjoyed “lively, feel-good music” and often danced along, “much to the amusement of his sons,” according to his obituary. At family gatherings, he often invented games and challenges to keep everyone entertained.
“During the holidays, he was notorious for unabashedly snagging the best slice of coffee cake or the last chocolate chip cookie,” his obituary reads.
LaRhette was also passionate about boating and had “a deep love for the water,” according to his obituary.
“The ocean was his place of peace, adventure and a space where he felt most alive. It is bittersweet to those who loved him that he spent his final moments in the place he cherished most,” his obituary reads.
LaRhette will be remembered by his friends and family for his “quick wit, warm smile, and the way he approached life with positive energy and creativity,” according to his obituary.
“Mike took pride in helping others and watching them succeed,” his obituary reads. “He listened first, spoke with confidence and care, and offered guidance that left a lasting impact.”
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