Michael John LaBrecque

Michael J. LaBrecque passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the age of 70.
Born in Reading, Pennsylvania, Mike was the beloved son of the late Alfred F. LaBrecque and Grace M. (Brown). He grew up in the Reading area and graduated from Muhlenberg Township High School in 1973. He went on to attend the Pennsylvania State University in State College, PA where he was a brother of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and served as social chairman. In September 1975, Mike met Sue, the love of his life, at a college party. She was petting the fraternity dog when he broke the ice with the line, "Do you like dogs?". Mike graduated in 1977 with a degree in Advertising and began his job with the Radio Station WRSC/WQWK selling airtime.
Mike and Sue (Purvis) married in July 1979 and made their home in State College, where they built a life together and raised their two sons. They welcomed Matthew in 1983 and Daniel in 1986. Mike took great pride in his sons' accomplishments, from their graduation from State College Area High School and Penn State University to their professional achievements and the families they built.
In the early 1980's, Mike switched careers to work at Johnson's Home Furnishings until the late 1990's. A mid-life career change led him to work at Wienken Wealth Management Mass Mutual as a Financial Advisor. He began his career at Wienken serving many of his past customers from Johnson's because he had built a reputation as a trusted and loyal professional, cultivating lasting relationships with clients and earning their respect and confidence. The respect was mutual, as Mike deeply valued every client he served.
Mike was an avid Penn State fan, and held season tickets to PSU football games for many years that were passed down to him from his parents. He also loved the game of golf and was a member of Centre Hills Golf Club for a number of years, and most currently a member of Toftrees Men's Golf League, which he truly enjoyed. One of his proudest accomplishments was achieving a hole-in-one in March 2024 on the Toftrees 3rd hole, a par 3, using a 6-iron from 145 yards.
Mike had an extraordinary gift for connecting with people. He loved meeting and talking with anyone, always eager to learn their story. He could remember everyone's name. His genuine curiosity and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone he met. After family gatherings or sporting events, he was often the last to leave, happily engaged in conversation. Mike's ability to make others feel valued was one of his greatest qualities.
Mike enjoyed PSU football trivia and watching the Penn State football games with his family and friends. He had many good memories of his cross-country RV trips he took with his sister Mary and his brother-in-law Tom when he was a teenager. One of his favorite things to do though, was going to Disney World with his children and grandchildren. They went many times over the years and created many good memories for all. He was also happy to have traveled to Ireland with his wife, Sue, brother-in-law, Bill, and sister-in-law, Lynn, in March 2020 and then again in September 2022.
Mike suffered from a rare cancer called UPS (Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma) that presented itself in late February 2020. It was an aggressive tumor that metastasized to his lungs. Mike fought a hard battle and was especially motivated by Jimmy Valvano's motto "Don't give up. Don't ever give up." In July 2025, during one of his many hospital stays, Mike was heard talking in his sleep, saying "At the end of the day, live as long as you can and enjoy it. I did."
Mike is survived by his wife Sue, his sons Matthew (Amanda) and Daniel (Cassandra) along with his grandchildren, Walter, Mina, and Heidi LaBrecque. He was the brother of Mary (Thomas) Snyder and Sandy Snyder and the Brother-in-law of Edward (Susan) Purvis and William (Lynn) Purvis. Mike had many nieces and nephews that he was close to, Gwen (Mark), Greg (Maureen), Jenny (Brendan), Lauren (Ryan), Corrie (Cody), Kyle, Courtney, Grace, Sean and Luke.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Memorial Visitation from 9am-10am on Friday, February 6, 2026 at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 820 Westerly Parkway, State College. Memorial Mass will immediately follow at 10am with Father George Jakopac officiating.
Burial will be in Spring Creek Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Four Diamonds to help conquer childhood cancer.