Roger E. LaBreche

Herkimer - Roger E. LaBreche, 85 a long time Herkimer resident, passed away peacefully on Thursday July 12, 2018 at his home with his loving family by his side.

He was born May 3, 1933 in Herkimer the son of the late Eudore and Leide (Gravell) LaBreche and was a graduate of Herkimer High School class of 1953.

Roger was a United States Army veteran, enlisting in 1953 and was honorably discharged in 1956.  After discharge from active duty, he enlisted in the United States Army Reserve and served under the Universal Military Training and Service Act for 8 years.  Roger also was enlisted in the United States Navy Reserve as a Seabee in the Construction Battalion.

On February 28, 1959 he was united in marriage to Armeda M. Schrader at St. Francis de Sales Church, located in Herkimer, New York, by Reverend Paul Antos.

Roger was a member of St. Francis de Sales Church and a former Commander of the Herkimer American Legion Post 38.  Roger was a Union Iron Worker, dedicated to his craft for over 42 years, with Local 440, located in Utica.

Roger's life was centered on the well-being of his family and he enjoyed the quality time he spent with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  In his early days he enjoyed spending time outdoors fishing and hunting.  Roger’s door was always open to friends and family, a place you were always greeted with a funny joke, a bite to eat and plenty of refreshments.  Roger had a knack for shopping and he would always send you home with one of the good deals he found at the store.

Survivors include his loving wife of 59 years, Armeda; a daughter, Shelly LaBreche and Scott Fullington of Herkimer; two sons,  Roger "Tim" LaBreche and his wife Debbie of Galway, NY, and Daniel LaBreche and his wife Jeannie of Little Falls;  a sister, Cecile Rice of East Herkimer;  a sister in-law, Janet LaBreche of Herkimer; a brother in-law, Dave Polley of Massachusetts;  six grandchildren;  Melissa Williams;  Julianne and Elisabeth LaBreche;  Danielle Perry and her Fiancé Richard Kast, Jacob and Caitlynn LaBreche;  and two great grandchildren, Adam and Alex. 

Roger’s family size increased when he met his wife Armeda and he was blessed in life to have gained many special brother and sister in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, all of which he considered as his own family and one special brother in-law, Tony Casale, was always there to help him with a new project around the house.  Roger had many dear friends that helped him create a lifetime of jovial memories and those memories helped him to keep going throughout his illness. 

He was pre-deceased by two children, Elisabeth and Eric LaBreche; a brother, Robert "Tiny" LaBreche; a sister, Rita Polley and a special nephew, Jeff LaBreche.

A memorial service will be held on Friday July 20, 2018 at 11:00 am from the Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service, (next to NBT Bank), 527 East Albany St., Herkimer, NY 315-866-1500 with the Very Reverend Mark Cunningham, pastor of St. Francis de Sales Church officiating.  Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer, NY with full military honors accorded. The family will be receiving relatives and friends on Friday July 20, 2018 from 10:00 am until the time of the service at 11:00 am.  Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association; the Herkimer Humane Society; Wounded Warrior Project or the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

The family would like to express a sincere thank you to special neighbors Don and Renee Bronson for the many years of help that they have provided to Roger and Armeda.  A sincere thank you to Dr. Deepak Buch, Dr. Luke Handy and the 3rd floor nursing staff at the Little Falls Hospital for all of the excellent care and compassion they have shown to Roger and his family during his long illness.

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