Robert A. LaBranche

Eastham - Surrounded by family, Robert A. (Bob) LaBranche of Eastham passed away on November 28, 2019 at the age of 91. He was the son of the late Ethel (Anderson) and Arthur J. LaBranche of Worcester.

Bob was born and raised in Worcester. He graduated from Worcester Academy and was thrilled to return for 18 years to teach biology, coach football, swimming, and baseball, and become the first alumnus headmaster. After graduation he proudly served in the U. S. Marine Corps and was honorably discharged as a veteran of World War II. He received his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Springfield College, then worked three years at the Boston VA Hospital as a corrective therapist.

After moving to Cape Cod, Bob taught in the Nauset Regional School District and Bourne Public Schools, finishing his career at Mashpee Middle School as a science teacher and coach of baseball and soccer for 18 years. As a mentor, teacher, coach, school leader and, mostly, father, there is no equal-he led with integrity, character and compassion. In addition to the love of his life, Pattie, his favorite things included laughter and stories, gardening and fishing, chowder and beer. Bob was an avid sports fan, following his children's and grandchildren's every game. He was a lifelong Red Sox fan and suffered and celebrated with them and all other local teams. But, most importantly, he was a kind, gentle soul who always put family first.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 62 years, Patricia (Pattie) Marsaw LaBranche and his sister Barbara and her husband Elliott Lewis of Bradbury, CA. He will be profoundly missed by his five children and their families, Melinda LaBranche and Richard Chilson of Rochester, Steven and Karen (Bartels) LaBranche of Eastham, David LaBranche and Lisa Plimpton of South Portland, ME, Peter and Carol (Griffin) LaBranche, of Eastham and Robert, Junior, and Christine (Weiss) LaBranche of Eastham. He also leaves his eight cherished grandchildren, Lucas, Jacob, Homer, Benjamin, Charlotte, Nina, Griffin, and Priscilla LaBranche, and countless nieces and nephews. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to everyone at Liberty Commons Long Term Care who cared for and loved him as if he was family.

Among a collection of newspaper clippings that he left was this quote attributed to Horace Greeley, "Fame is a vapor, popularity an accident, and riches take wings. Only one thing endures, and that is character." We will miss his twinkling, crystal blue eyes.

Services are at 11 am Saturday, December 28, 2019, at Church of the Holy Spirit, 204 Monument Road, Orleans, followed by a reception in the church hall-all are welcome. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the Lower Cape Outreach Council (lcoutreach.org) or to the Church of the Holy Spirit Scholarship Award.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Worcester Telegram & Gazette from Dec. 12 to Dec. 13, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert LaBranche

7 Entries

December 18, 2019

I remember Bob fondly. I was t W.A. for 2 years graduating in '59. He was my science teacher and I always remember his 3 point kicker question at the end of the exam that vever counted against you if you got it wrong and could only help you if you answered it correctly. Iwas also one of his managers on the varsity swim team. Always a gentleman and a wonderful person to be around. I am saddened by his loss; he will be sorely missed. Jeff Halbreich '59

Bruce Cutcliffe

December 18, 2019

As a three year student and 1961 graduate of WA, I consider myself fortunate to have known Bob LaBranche. One did not have to be around Bob very long to recognize his passion for coaching, but even more important his true concern for WA students irrespective of whether he was their coach or teacher, or simply providing words of encouragement to this striving track athlete.

Bob LaBranche was the epitome of a gentleman of character. I am saddened to learn of his passing and extend my sincere sympathy to Mrs. LaBranche and family.

Jesse Ritz

December 18, 2019

So Sorry for your loss. Bob was a fine man, a great teacher and my swim coach.

arthur fox

December 18, 2019

I WAS AN UNDERGRADUATE TEAMMATE OF"SHORTY" LABRANCHE.HE AND "DEE" WERE TWO OF MY GREAT FRIENDS AT WA. MY SINCERE CONDOLESCENCES TO ALL THE LABRANCHE FAMILY. SINCERELY, ART FOX '50

Bob Hall

December 18, 2019

I am a graduate of Worcester Academy, 1962. As a student athlete, there were several faculty and coaches who touched my life and helped shape my character. At 18, I could not have appreciated then how much people like Mr. Pietro, Mr. Macko, Mr. Mulroy and Mr. LaBranche influenced my character. Mr. LaBranche was at the top of my list. Mr. Labranche was a great coach, mentor and teacher to me and countless other Worcester Academy student-athletes. We continued to stay in touch over the years and I will always be grateful for his influence on me and his friendship.

David Fitzgerald

December 17, 2019

I taught with Bob for a number of years at the Mashpee Middle School. He was a fine teacher and an excellent coach who was greatly admired and respected by his fellow teachers and his students. Above all else, he was a gentleman and a friend whom we will miss. May he rest in peace. Our sincerest condolences to everyone in his family.

Dave and Susan Fitzgerald

Carol Steiner (Mastaliz)

December 13, 2019

Such fond memories from long ago when we would visit our Uncle Bob and Aunt Janet Macko. (My mom was Bob Macko's sister) Our condolences to you Patty and your whole loving family.

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