Roger W. LaBranche

Roger LaBranche, 85 of Farmington, NH passed away on Thursday, April 4, 2019 with his family by his side. Roger was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts in 1933 and grew up in Newmarket, New Hampshire.

Having enrolled in the United States Army at the age of 17, Roger proudly served our country as a Staff Sergeant for the 109th Infantry in Germany during the Korean War from 1951 - 1953. After returning from service, he spent some time in Simi Valley, California and returned to New Hampshire to work at Spaulding Fiber, Dover House Health Care and later went on to become a machinist for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Roger lived on the seacoast of New Hampshire in Dover, Somersworth and Rochester for most of his life and also lived in Colebrook for a period of time, where he worked at the Ethan Allen furniture company of Beecher Falls, Vermont. Upon returning back to the seacoast, he lived in Milton and worked at Thompson Center Arms and later moved to Farmington and worked at Lydall in Rochester, until he officially retired.

An avid sportsman, Roger enjoyed game hunting and fishing. When not in the woods or on the water, he took his self-appointed role as an armchair official for the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots quite seriously. In his spare time, he could be found in his woodworking shop practicing the art of building or repairing furniture, mostly for the benefit of friends and family. Roger was a proud veteran, lover of country and remained active with his brothers in the American Legion throughout the years.

Roger is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Carlene; his brother Walter of Arizona; his children David LaBranche and wife Annette of Georgia; Jeannette Welsh and husband Michael of Maryland; Debbie Stanhope of Durham; Brian LaBranche and wife Felicia of Rochester; as well as ten grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his parents, Charles LaBranche and Gertrude Small, his step-father Don Small, sister Jeannette Bourassa, brothers Donald Small and Bob LaBranche-Small.

SERVICES: There are no calling hours. A graveside service with military honors will take place at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery on Friday, June 14, 2019 at 1:30pm with a memorial reception for family and friends at the American Legion in Rochester to follow at 3:30pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Roger's memory to: Warriors at 45 North, PO Box 132, Pittsburgh, NH 03592-0132 or @warriors45north.com.