Anthony M. Pilaro earned his undergraduate degree (1957) and his law degree (1960) from the University of Virginia. Mr. Pilaro is an attorney, investment banker, philanthropist, and serves as chairman of the CAP Charitable Foundation and the CAP Advisers Limited of Dublin. Mr. Pilaro was a founder of Duty Free Shoppers, the world’s largest duty free retailer which was sold to LVMH in 1996. He was a founder of VISX, the laser vision correction company which invented the LASIK procedure for vision correction and was a founder of BriteSmile Inc, the world’s leading tooth whitening company.
As a generous donor to the University of Virginia, Mr. Pilaro initiated the Jerome Holland Scholarships for African-American undergraduate students and the need-based Hardy Dillard Scholarships at the Law School. He is driven by a simple philosophy: Given proper nurturing and resources, young people who show promise will ultimately choose to help others much as they have been helped and will give freely of their money and their time.
Mr. Pilaro has chosen to help create the next generation of American leaders by founding the Ron Brown Scholar Program. Pilaro is also founder of The Studio, an exhibition gallery and studio space that serves as an incubator of cultural examination and artistic innovation in Dublin, Ireland. Through his generosity, two graduate students each year who possess outstanding artistic talent and hope to become independent artists are invited to live and study at The Studio where they can focus on developing their artistic voice. In addition to those working in education and the arts, Pilaro invests in people around the world who are making a difference in medicine and the environment.
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Cal LaRoche, a brilliant and dedicated advisor and champion of the Ron Brown Scholar Program, who left us on Wednesday, April 9th, 2025.
Born in New York in January 1946, Cal graduated from Central State University in Ohio, where he joined the Eta Gamma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. His career spanned decades of leadership and innovation, beginning at the National Security Agency and continuing through key roles at IBM, SkyTel Communications, and The Orkand Corporation.
A visionary entrepreneur, Cal later co-founded DC Ventures and Associates.
His commitment to service was unwavering. Cal chaired the Boards of Trustees at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda and Norwood School and served with distinction for 15 years on the Advisory Board of the Ron Brown Scholar Program. His leadership extended to the Beta Mu, Boulé Foundation Board, where he served as Chair, and to Patients For Affordable Drugs, where he was a founding board member and Treasurer.
An avid golfer and advocate for equity in the sport, Cal co-founded the Pro-Duffer/Carter Foundation Scholarship to promote diversity in golf. A long-time member of TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm, he was as passionate about creating opportunity as he was about the game itself.
Cal’s legacy is carried on by his beloved family: his mother, Lucille “Gloria” David; his wife, Esperanza, and their sons, CJ and Ethan; his former wife, Cheryl LaRoche; their daughters, Gina LaRoche, Renee LaRoche-Morris, and Danielle LaRoche; six grandchildren; and his siblings. His wisdom, warmth, and unwavering belief in the potential of young people will remain an enduring part of the Ron Brown Scholar community.
We are forever grateful for Cal’s enduring support, leadership, and love. He leaves behind a legacy of excellence, generosity, and deep humanity. He will be deeply missed.
