CUMBERLAND

Donald W. LaBranche, 76, of Cumberland, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at Kent County Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Gale S. (Leeming) LaBranche, and they had been married for the past 54 years.

Born in Pawtucket, he was the son of the late Joseph and Florence (Dauray) LaBranche. He had resided in Cumberland for the past 30 years, previously living in Rumford.

Mr. LaBranche was a United States Air Force Veteran, serving during the Vietnam War, and was honorably discharged following his faithful service to our country.

Donald was a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service for 30 years, retiring in 2008.

He was a proud former communicant of St. Margaret Church in Rumford and a devoted member of St. Aidan Parish in Cumberland. A passionate sports enthusiast, he coached his kids in basketball, baseball, and hockey, sharing his love for the games he excelled in during his youth at Sacred Heart Academy in Central Falls. He cherished his travels, especially the two weeks he and his wife spent at their timeshare in Aruba, a true favorite destination. Casino trips, whether to Twin River or Foxwoods, were also a thrill. Those who knew him will always remember his quick wit, readiness to lend a hand, and his infectious sense of humor.

In addition to his loving wife, he leaves his children, Michele Johnson and her husband Robert of Cumberland, Donald LaBranche and his wife Melissa of Cumberland, and Jason LaBranche of Lincoln; his two sisters, Carol Proulx of North Carolina and Susan Heroux of Cumberland; his four grandchildren, Kaylee Johnson, Jared Johnson, Nathaniel LaBranche, and Nicholas LaBranche; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to Donald's Life Celebration, to be held with Visiting Hours on Monday, August 19, 2024, from 5 to 8 PM, and continuing on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 10 AM in the J. J. Duffy Funeral Home, 757 Mendon Road, Rt. 122, Cumberland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM in St. Aidan/St. Patrick Parish, Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Cumberland.

Memorial donations may be made in his memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

ONLINE MEMORIAL: jjduffyfuneralhome.com