Norman J. LaBranche

Norman J. LaBranche, 93, of York, Maine, formerly of Plaistow, NH passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 11, 2019 at the home of his son.  He was born in Haverhill, MA on August 24, 1925, the son of Oliver and Alice (Bouchard) LaBranche.

Norman was predeceased by his loving wife, Jeanne.  They were married for 73 years beginning in Plaistow, NH where they raised three children.  He has missed her immeasurably.

Norman served on the USS Wasp CV-18 in the Southern Pacific from 1943 until the end of the war.  He was a plank owner of the ship being the first crew aboard the new vessel. During his service, he was a Coxswain and received the World War II Victory Medal.  He shimmied down the anchor line while in port in Washington State for repairs to marry Jeanne, since no furloughs were available at the time. 

After the war Norman worked at Western Electric and several other jobs before deciding to join his father as a barber.  Norman ran the LaBranche’s Barbershop in Plaistow, known by locals as “The Little Red Barbershop” for over 25 years.  After his retirement Norman and Jeanne split their time between Port Charlotte Florida and York Beach, Maine. 

Norman worked at York Golf and Tennis for over 25 years as a grounds man after he retired.   He loved the work and all of the young men he met there.

Norman enjoyed going out in his boat, originally from Cape Neddick and later out of York Harbor.  He enjoyed golfing and spending time with his family.  He enjoyed reading and spent a great deal of time “puttering”.  One of his favorite hobbies was clocks.  One never needed to turn their head at Norm’s house to see what time it was as every wall and table top was adorned with some type of clock.

Norm spent the last 7 months living with his son Wayne and daughter-in-law Pat at their home in Effingham, NH.  They were both loving caregivers and made Norm’s final days comfortable and happy.  In addition to Wayne and Pat, he is survived by his son Dennis LaBranche and his wife Lynn of Englewood, FL and Michele LaBranche and her husband Jon Powers of York, ME, 5 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.  He will be deeply missed by his entire family.

At his request, there will be no service.  The family will have a private graveside service for both Norman and Jeanne at the VA cemetery in Boscawen, NH.

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