NEWTON, NH: Joseph P. LaBranche, 90, formerly of Peabody, died Sunday, November 29, 2009 at his residence. He was the husband of Marguerite (Fiorello) LaBranche.
Born in Haverhill on November 11, 1919, he was the son of the late Joseph H. and Dora (Strauch) LaBranche. He was a graduate of the Haverhill High School class of 1937. He was also a graduate of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy class of 1940. As a member of the Merchant Marines, he was believed to be the youngest Chief Engineer bringing supplies to our troops during World War II.
Joseph was employed as a watch engineer at the former New England Power Plant from 1947 until his retirement in 1987. He was a member of the Massachusetts Maritime Association. He enjoyed bowling, camping, golfing and spending time with his family.
In addition to his wife of sixty-four years, he is survived by three sons and two daughters-in-law, Paul V. and Helen LaBranche of Haverhill, Peter J. LaBranche of Newton, NH, Mark V. and Ronna LaBranche of South Hampton, NH, two brothers, Francis and his wife Lorraine LaBranche and Dr. Victor P. LaBranche; a sister, Cecilia Lowes all of Haverhill, three grandchildren, a great-grandson and many nieces and nephews.
His funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday morning in St. John the Baptist Church, 114 Lincoln Ave., Haverhill at 10 a.m. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday in the Linnehan-Grondin Funeral Home, 129 Kenoza Avenue, Haverhill from 4 - 7 p.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. Burial in Walnut Cemetery, Haverhill. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to the MSPCA, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844.