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BORN
1929
DIED
2021
Richard LaBrode Obituary
"Dick", as he was known to his family and friends, was born in New Rochelle, NY on January 16, 1929 to Georgine O'Dell. He graduated from Pennsylvania Military College and joined the Army.
Dick served in Korea, earning the National Defense Service Medal, Legion of Merit, United Nations Service Medal, and Korean Service Medal w/ Silver Star.
He met Penelope Paul in Fort Bragg, NC. They married in February 1954 after a whirlwind courtship and shared quite the journey as they square danced (yes, really) around the world and raised their family. Along the way, he attended flight school and became a pilot.
Dick also served as a helicopter pilot in Viet Nam, leaving his family behind for two tours. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medals, Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, and Republic of Viet Nam Cross of Gallantry w/ Palm.
He retired in 1974 after 23 years and worked in the private sector for another 15. Dick and Penelope moved to Houston in 1982. Family was everything to them and each of their children eventually followed them to Texas. "Papa" and "Mimi" bowled, ate a lot of elementary school Grandparents Day breakfasts, went to innumerable band concerts, and attended years of sporting events. Dick also loved woodworking and had the Wooden Wonders booth at craft shows for many years.
He is predeceased by his wife of 59 years, his mother, sister, and brother-in-law.
He is survived by his five children (Linda & Duke Lewis, Katie & Bob Tweedy, Cindy & Paul Hart, Penny & Randy Bosley, and Richard Edward II & Kathy LaBrode), seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, cousins, and nieces and nephews all across the states.
Dick's family and friends miss him terribly but know he has found a place at God's Table, reunited with all he loved and lost.
God speed Hustler 6A.
Funeral mass will be at St. Bernadette's Catholic Church, Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 10:30am.
Military honors for Richard and interment of Richard and Penelope will be at Houston National Cemetery Monday, January 17, 2022 at 9:00am.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard LaBrode
1 Entry
Dolly & Gary Brock
January 17, 2022
"What was deeply loved, we can never lose. For all that we love deeply becomes part of us." ~Helen Keller. Your dad and mom with be with you always.
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