Haverhill – Dr. Victor (“Doc”) P. LaBranche, DVM, 95, passed away at home on March 15, 2016 with his loving family and caretakers by his side. Victor was a lifetime resident of Haverhill, MA. He was one of four children born to the late Joseph and Dora LaBranche, graduating from Haverhill High School in 1938. He later graduated with a BS in Agriculture and Applied Science from Michigan State College in 1945 and received his Doctrine from the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1946. Victor was also a long-time parishioner of St. John the Baptist Church and was very devoted to his faith.“Doc” achieved many things over his lifetime and worked well into his 90s. To highlight a few of the many, he operated a successful veterinary practice, served as the Chief Veterinarian for the State of Massachusetts for over 40 years, and was the head veterinarian for the State Racing Commission for several years, covering Foxboro and Suffolk Downs raceways. Doc also operated an active farm in Kingston NH until 2011 and served as a volunteer for the Topsfield Fair for over 75 years, having received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. In addition, he was a very active member of his community, serving as a member of the Haverhill Board of Health until 2015 and also as a member of the East Parish Neighborhood Association.Victor was predeceased by his beloved first wife Mary (Blaisdell) LaBranche and later by his dearly loved second wife Louise (Folsom-Perry) LaBranche. He is survived by two sons and one step-son: James B. LaBranche of Marlborough MA, Richard LaBranche of Kingston NH, and Robert Perry of Titusville FL. He is predeceased by one son and one step-son: the late V. Philip LaBranche and David Perry.In spite of his life-long achievements and great success, Victor loved being around and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His grandchildren include James LaBranche of Billerica MA, Lisa Sullivan of Grafton MA, Tina Morse of Beverly, MA, Robert Perry of Orlando, FL, David Perry of North Conway, NH, and Daniel Perry of Eastham, MA great-grandchildren include Gabriele Morse, Timothy LaCroix, Harrison Moore, Dylan Franzoni, Carleigh Franzoni, Brady Sullivan, and Caden SullivanVictor also leaves many nieces and nephews as well as countless other friends and family whom were blessed to know him, including his loving caretakers Cindy and Roger Ryan of Plaistow, NH. Victor touched the lives of many people with his smile and generosity, and maintained his trademark sense of humor all the way to the end.Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend calling hours on Sunday, March 20 from 2:00PM until 5:00PM at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main Street, Haverhill. Funeral services will begin on Monday morning at 9:00AM from the funeral home with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00AM at St. John the Baptist Church, 110 Lincoln Avenue, Haverhill. Burial will follow in Riverview Cemetery, Main Street, Groveland. Victor was very well known for helping others-especially those in need. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that all donations be sent to Merrimack Valley Hospice, 360 North Avenue, Haverhill, MA 0180 or The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 6 Cottage Street, Haverhill, MA 01830. Please visit Comeau Funeral Home on Facebook or www.comeaufuneral.com
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