Matthew LaBrake, age 58, of Weir Road passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 24, 2024.
He was born in Saranac Lake, NY the son of the late Lloyd J. and Lulu B. (Goff) LaBrake. He graduated from Saranac Lake High School in 1983 and then received his associates degree from SUNY in Canton, NY.
Matt grew up on a dairy farm in northern NY, (Adirondacks) with 7 older brothers and sisters, 1 bathroom and a long list of chores to do daily. It was a great life but it was not easy. He learned from his parents and siblings how to work hard and get the job done right. He was the ultimate tinkerer brought about by necessity on the farm, and he would spend countless hours repairing cars, toys, appliances or anything else at all that need fixing – a talent he learned from his Dad.
Matthew worked for the State of NH Department of Transportation as a Business Systems Analyst. He started out as a Civil Engineering Technician and worked in many of the various bureaus including but not limited to Construction, Planning, and Traffic. He worked his way up to his current position, making friends and learning about so many different facets of the entire DOT. Many people underestimated him and then were surprised when realizing the wealth of knowledge he carried with him! The friends he made in his construction days were still among his dearest, especially Pete, Paul and Conrad. Matt was witty, clever, smart, and as far as couples go – he was the fun one!
Matthew adored his wife and was fiercely devoted to his children. Clearly, his time was cut too short as lots of plans were still to be carried out. After all, he had intended to spend his golden years racing Kris through the halls of his retirement home on wheelchairs. His two young grandchildren brought him so much joy and he was proud of how polite and how clever they are.
Matt spent his free time with his family on their farm in Concord, NH. He enjoyed feeding the chickens or 'his peeps', throwing the ball for the dogs over and over, cooking on the grill, having fires, and more. Although he never wanted a farm again, he took care of it with great pride and taught his children how to do so as well. He also shared with them his passion for movies and sweets, specifically his favorite hero Iron Man and the occasional Ben and Jerry's treat. Matt will also go down as one of the greatest dance dads. He attended nearly every recital for both his daughters spanning over 20 years and continued to do so for his granddaughter Cecelia.
He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Kris (Bennett) LaBrake of Concord; his son, Joseph Tracy of Minturn, CO; his 2 daughters, Katherine Bailey and her husband Dillon of Concord; and Jillian LaBrake of Concord, NH; 2 grandchildren, Cecelia and Jonah Bailey of Concord; 2 brothers, Andrew LaBrake and his wife Elise of Tupper Lake, NY, and Randolph LaBrake of Canton, NY; 4 sisters, Ruth Valentine and her husband Gary of Tupper Lake, NY, Sharon Farmer and her husband Mark of Lake Clear, NY, Dorothy McMenemy and her husband Fred of Lake Clear, NY and Jane Robinson and her husband Scott of Malone, NY; a foster sister, Jacquline Provost of Canajoharie, NY; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, March 28th from 2 to 4 PM and 6 to 8 PM at the Waters Funeral Home, 50 South Main Street, Concord, NH.
Funeral service will be held on Friday, March 29th at 11 AM in the Chapel of the Waters Funeral Home.
Burial will follow in the Blossom Hill Cemetery.
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