Henry J "Walkingstick" Labrake Jr

“ Walkingstick” Henry J. LaBrake Jr. 80, of Schenectady passed away peacefully on Friday March 31, 2023 at home surrounded by his loving family. Born in Schenectady, he was the son of the late Henry (Pat) LaBrake and Josephine (Dick) Califano.

He was the proud owner of Rainbow Painters. Henry served the Schenectady area and provided his service to the Schenectady Municipal Housing Authority for many years.

Henry was passionate about making walkingsticks and knives. He also loved his trips to Indian Lake and was a huge fan of Elvis Presley.

He often stated he loved his children and was so proud of them. He always said to others “we are so lucky to have great kids”.

The family would like to thank the staff from hospice, his amazing nurses Tara and Laura and others including Mark, Gretchen, Peter, Janet, and Melissa who helped Henry stay home with his family until the end.

Henry is survived by his loving wife Pamela Leffingwell LaBrake, his children Renee Crisafulli (Nick), Henry D. LaBrake (Kat), Matthew LaBrake, Justine Viele and Donn LaBrake (Brooke). He was Hot Tea "papa" to Nicky Crisafulli and Anthony Crisafulli. Henry was also survived by 3 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and a grandpuppy Pumpkin as well as two brothers Richard Califano (Judy) and Paul Califano (Mary Jane). He also leaves behind his mother in law Genevieve Kukla, his brother in law Daniel Leffingwell (Debra), his sister in laws Jessica Langlois (Keith) and Tara Allen as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Celebration of Henry’s life will be on Saturday April 15, 2023 at 1PM at the Bond Funeral Home 1614 Guilderland Avenue Schenectady. Visitation will precede the service from 12-1.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his memory to Community Hospice of Albany.