The Life of Ralph LaBranche
Ralph J. LaBranche Sr., age 90 of Shelton, entered into rest on Sunday, February 25, 2018 in the Hospital of St. Raphael. He was born in Shelton on November 19, 1927, son of the late Edmund and Alma (Phoenix) LaBranche and was a Shelton resident for most of his life. Ralph was a employed as a Machinist at Sikorsky Aircraft for many years before retiring in 1993. He served in the US Navyduring WWII. Ralph was an avid woodworker, who was known for the birdhouses and caricatures he built and gave away. He also enjoyed finishing and gardening. Ralph was a champion bowler who traveled to play in tournaments and also had a talent for playing horseshoes. Ralph was very supportive of his children's active becoming a Boys Scout Cub Master and serving as vice president, president and coach of the former Shelton South Little League. He was an active member of the former St. Anthony's Church Men's Club, a former member of the Coram Garden Civic Association where he served as the vice president and custodian. He is survived by his three devoted sons Ralph J. LaBranche, Jr. and his wife Cheryl, Ronald E. LaBranche and Richard A. LaBranche and his wife Stephanie; three sisters, Alma Doherty, Leona Miller, and Patricia Kiley; seven grandchildren Thomas LaBranche (Sofia), Steven LaBranche (Keilan), Amanda LaBranche (Kenneth), Erik LaBranche (Jennifer), Jesse LaBranche (Jess), Korin LaBranche, Jenna LaBranche, and Ryan LaBranche; two great grandchildren Damian and Conor; his former wife Louise Lima, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Mary LaBranche, three brothers, Edmund LaBranche, Robert LaBranche, and Gilbert LaBranche, and four sisters, Beatrice Konicki, Margaret Skowronski, Theresa Herbette, and Laura Sobczak. Friends may greet his family on Thursday from 4 to 7 PM in the Riverview Funeral Home, 390 River Road, Shelton. On Friday his funeral procession will leave the funeral home at 10:15 AM for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM in Holy Rosary Church in Ansonia. His burial with full military honors will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Ansonia. At the request of his family memorial contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org or the Alzheimer's Foundation at www.alzfdn.org. Online condolences can be offered to his family at www.riverviewfh.com.