John A. LaBranche
1961 – 2011

WEST SPRINGFIELD – John A. LaBranche, 49, of Bridle Path Road died Tuesday in Baystate Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. John was born in Chicopee, the son of Joyce (Hervieux) and the late Norman LaBranche, and has lived in West Springfield all his life. He was a 1979 graduate of West Springfield High School and later graduated from Northeastern University with a degree in finance. He worked in the Accounting Department at Smith & Wesson and later was the controller for Royal Harvest Foods. More recently he worked as a Regional Sales Representative for Industrial Flooring. John loved sports and spent most of his time coaching his two sons in youth sports. He was involved with baseball, soccer and basketball for many years and will be remembered by every kid for his coaching style. Besides his mother, he leaves his two sons Joel and Jake LaBranche of Agawam, his sister and brothers Jeff LaBranche and his wife Karen of Singapore, Judy Rettura and her husband Vincenzo of West Springfield, Jamie LaBranche and Joe LaBranche both of West Springfield. He also leaves his former wife Karen Briggs and many loving nieces, nephews and dear friends. The funeral will be held at the West Springfield Curran-Jones Funeral Home Saturday February 26, 2011 at 10:30am followed by burial in St. Thomas Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held Friday (today) from 4:00 – 7:00pm. For online condolences please visit curranjones.com. Donations may be made to American Diabetes Association P.O. Box 31160, Hartford, CT 06150-1160.