Obituary: Michael “Mike” Allen LaRhette

January 6, 1969 – August 9, 2025

With profound sadness, we share that Michael “Mike” Allen LaRhette, 56, of Hingham, Massachusetts, passed away in a tragic boating accident on the morning of Saturday, August 9, 2025. A devoted husband, loving father, cherished son, supportive brother, and a treasured friend, Mike’s loss is deeply felt profoundly by his family and the countless people whose lives he touched.

Mike was the husband of Jennifer LaRhette for 25 years, and father of Nate (22) and Ben LaRhette (20), all of Hingham, MA. Son of the late Allen LaRhette and Joyce Riley, Brother of Laurie Daily, Lisa Beckwith, and Justin Riley, and loving uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Mike grew up in Windham, Maine, and attended Cheverus High School, a Jesuit high school in Portland, Maine. He was a proud graduate of Boston College, and later Boston University, where he earned a Masters of Education in Psychology. Following graduation, Mike spent a year in Jamaica teaching English to an all-girls school and coaching a local boys’ high school basketball team. He always spoke so highly of this experience and the calling to “serve others”.

His career reflected this lifelong commitment to helping others grow and succeed. 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.

Mike and Jennifer filled their home with love and laughter, raising their two sons, Nate and Ben, who were the pride of his life. He found immense joy in coaching his sons’ youth basketball and baseball teams, attending sports events, and hosting friends at his home. He adored his dog, Charlotte, whose companionship, on and off the water, brought him great comfort. He enjoyed traveling, always with a sense of wonder and openness to what the world had to offer. He instilled this passion in his family, taking them to see different parts of the world, including trips to Thailand, Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, Paris and more. Mike enjoyed lively, feel-good music and frequently danced along, much to the amusement of his sons. At family gatherings, Mike loved inventing games and challenges to keep everyone engaged, entertained and laughing. During the holidays, he was notorious for unabashedly snagging the best slice of coffee cake, or the last chocolate chip cookie.

His Boston College friendships were 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. Mike took pride in helping others and watching them succeed. He listened first, spoke with confidence and care, and offered guidance that left a lasting impact. His friends, family, and colleagues will remember his quick wit, warm smile, and the way he approached life with positive energy and creativity.

He had a deep love for the water and spent countless happy hours boating. 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.

To say Mike will be missed is an extraordinary understatement. His life was a gift to all who knew him.

Relatives and friends are warmly invited to attend the visiting hours on Saturday, August 16, at the Hingham Community Center, 70 South St, Hingham, MA. Words of remembrance will be shared from 11–12 PM, followed by visiting hours from 12–3 PM (continued at the Hingham Community Center). In lieu of flowers, please consider doing something kind for someone in need.