Henry Joseph LaBranche Jr.

1944 - 2022

On May 5, 2022, Henry "Pete" Joseph LaBranche, Jr. died peacefully at the home of life-long friend LT "PeeWee" Scioneaux, Jr. in Reserve. He was 78. Pete is survived by his sister Sherry Calcagno (Joe), brother Zene LaBranche and five nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Henry J. LaBranche and Mabel Vicknair LaBranche Madere and half-brother Murphy Madere, Jr. Pete was born January 30, 1944 in Crevasse and lived in the area his whole life. He graduated from Leon Godchaux High School in 1964 and was #73 on the Reserve Wildcats football team. He is a veteran of the Vietnam War and served honorably in the Army. After attending Delgado, he worked as an Operator for Shell Chemical Company in Norco for 25 years. He retired at the young age of 52. His idea of retirement was far from resting on his laurels – he kept busy farming and hunting. He had a green thumb like his mother and would grow a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. He was best known for his juicy, delicious creole tomatoes. Although he loved tending to the land, his true passion was rabbit hunting with his beloved team of Beagles. If you were ever looking for Pete, you would most likely find him in his chicken coup clubhouse cooking a pot of spicy smothered rabbit, watching a football game, with a cold brew in his hand. At Pete's request, there will be a small, private mass at St. Peter's Catholic Church for immediate family members only. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you plant a vegetable in his honor so when you enjoy the fruit of your labor you'll think of him and smile. Arrangements by Millet-Guidry Funeral Home. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.milletguidry.com.