A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Richard "Rick" Joseph LaBrake, 72, of Newark, will be held at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 12 Noon, Wednesday, August 18, 2021, with Fr. David Sizemore as celebrant and Fr. Craig Eilerman as homilist.  Funeral services will be livestreamed on the St. Francis de Sales YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/stfadmin.

Rick, a parishioner of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, died at his home on Friday, August 13, 2021.  He was born in Brasher Falls, New York on July 14, 1949, to the late Philip and Pauline (Bryant) LaBrake.

A graduate of Holy Family High School, Massina, N.Y., Rick attended Wadhams Hall College and earned a degree in Theology and Church History. He was devoted to his Catholic faith and spent many years sharing this passion with those around him.  He began his 30+ years as a Director of Religious Education at St. Mary's Parish of Massina, before moving to Newark to begin his longtime tenure with St. Francis de Sales, where he was instrumental in the development of their youth ministry program and Christ Renews His Parish (CHRP).  Following his time as DRE, Rick moved to the classroom and began teaching at Newark Catholic High School until his retirement.

He will be greatly missed by his wife of 47 years, Julie (Scott) LaBrake; his sons, Scott (Becky) LaBrake, Jan-Michael (Mary) LaBrake, and Bryan (Dr. Cara Copeland) LaBrake; 7 grandchildren, Sophia, Morgan, Aiden, Erin, Desmond, Eowyn, and Dominic; sisters, Jean Myers and Donna LaVack; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Rick was preceded in death by his brothers, Fred, Jack, and Tom (Sue) LaBrake; and brothers-in-law, Bob Myers and Roy LaVack.

Friends and family may call at the REED-EGAN FUNERAL HOME, 141 Green Wave Drive, Newark, 4-8 P.M., Tuesday, August 17, 2021, with a Vigil Service held at 7:30 P.M.  Due to the rise in COVID infections, the family is requesting for all those in attendance to adhere to the current CDC guidelines.

Memorials in Rick's name can be made to the St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantry; or to the Humane Society.

To share your memory of Rick or leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.reedegan.com.