WATERVILLE – Roger G. LaBrecque, 85, passed away July 13, 2011, at Togus Veterans Administration Hospital with his loving family by his side. He was born Feb. 15, 1926, in Brunswick, a son of the late Lucien V. and Blanche (Bernier) LaBrecque.
Roger attended St. John School, Brunswick; Bliss College, Lewiston; and Thomas College, Waterville. Roger served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II and in the Battle of the Bulge; he received the Purple Heart, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. He worked as an accountant for Keyes Fibre Co. until his retirement in 1989, as well as a part-time bookkeeper for Dr. Joseph J. Hiebel. He was a member of the American Legion. He was a 25-year member of National Association of Accountants where he was president in 1970 with 25 years of perfect attendance; and given Member of the Year Award in 1993. Roger was a gifted musician who could spontaneously translate emotions into music. He played with the “Three Notes” band for many years at weddings and other joyous occasions. He often volunteered to perform with his accordion, keyboard or piano at local nursing homes, playing songs from the 40s to the 60s era. He took pride in knowing that his music could make the elderly smile, remember the good times, and tap along from their wheelchairs. There would always be music at the large family gatherings or special events of the year. His music may be heard by going to his website at http://home.myfairpoint.net/mrpianoman/.
Roger is survived by his loving wifem Theresa (Bard) LaBrecque of Waterville; two daughters, Marianne Poirier and husband, Harold, of Waterville, and Patricia McAtee and husband, Bob, of Wales; a son, David LaBrecque and wife, Kathy, of Orono; six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, as well as several stepgrandchildren and great-stepgrandchildren, many nieces and nephews. Roger was predeceased by his parents; a daughter, Carmella Lanteigne, in 1970; three brothers, Raymond, Clement and Marcel LaBrecque; and a sister, Lorraine Smith.
Visitation will be held 3-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Friday, July 15, at Veilleux Funeral Home, 8 Elm St., Waterville. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 9 a.m. Saturday, July 16, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, Silver Street, Waterville. Committal will be after at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, Grove Street, Waterville. In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions in Roger’s memory may be made to The Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, Silver Street, Waterville, ME 04901 or Maine Veteran’s Wounded Heroes Program of Maine, attention Pam Payeur, P.O. Box 1181, Biddeford, ME 04005.