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BORN
1924
DIED
2018
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Joseph Lacombe Obituary
Rutland - formerly of Pittsford, VT, Joseph, age 93, died March 31, 2018 at Mt. View Center. He was born May 8, 1924 in Hinckley, NY, the son of Joseph Earl and Florence Elizabeth (LaComb) Lacombe.
He graduated from Immaculate Heart Academy in 1941 and served in the US Navy during WW II and served on the aircraft carrier, Savo Island, first as a shipboard radioman copying incoming MORSE code messages, then as the ship's newspaper editor.
On June 26, 1948, he married Ada Caroline Coston in Watertown, NY.
In 1950, he graduated from airline school in Kansas City and acquired his private pilot's license in 1959.
Moving to VT in 1964, he managed the Rutland Airport for many years, then in 1980, was employed by Air North in Burlington as Operations Manager.
He was a lifelong active member of St. Alphonsus Church in Pittsford.
Howard enjoyed playing the violin, mandolin, banjo, trombone, piano and the tenor (4-string) guitar. A motorcycle enthusiast, he loved Scrabble and spent many hours patiently teaching his children how to fish. A favorite memory was a glider ride in Waitsfield during his later years.
Survivors are three daughters, Diane Marie Brown of West Rutland, VT, Susan Ann Mahren of Charlotte, VT, Katherine Ann Markiewicz of Phoenix, AZ; a son, David John Lacombe of Brandon, VT; a sister, Shirley Ouellette of Ft. Myers, FL; eight grandchildren, Sarah, Corey, Shannon, Brie, Trevor, Dylan, Tanya and Taylor; seven great-grandchildren, Caden, Caleb, Devin, Juliane, Waylon, Coralina and Harper and several nieces and nephews.
The graveside service will be held at a later date in St. Alphonsus Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Tossing Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Lacombe
Sponsored by Tossing Funeral Home.
Susan Dumas
March 29, 2023
Always enjoyed Joseph musical talents when he would come to the office and we would play violins.. His style was aways joyful and spirited..I'm sure he's playing in Heaven for Jesus now!!
Susie Dumas
March 29, 2019
Joe was a dear friend and fellow violinist.. I miss the times we played violin and shared our musical interest..
Athena Euber
April 24, 2018
I will miss Howard at St.Joseph Kervick. He was a witty, laughing man who brought joy to our lives here.His stories about his life brought both laughter and got head's shaking. We miss you Howard!
Nancy McDonald
April 22, 2018
We were very sorry to hear that Uncle Howard passed on. Steve and I had visited him a few times on our trips north from Florida. He was very witty and made us laugh with his stories. We had the best times with him on our visits! He was one sharp guy. We'll miss him on our drive north this summer!
Marion and Howard
Nancy Towne McDonald
April 22, 2018
1947? - Christmas with Howard in the center front row
Nancy Towne McDonald
April 22, 2018
The LaCombe family
Nancy Towne McDonald
April 22, 2018
1930's Era - Shirley and Howard
Nancy Towne McDonald
April 22, 2018
Margo Martin
April 11, 2018
Corey, Please accept this as an expression of my sympathy in the passing of your Grandfather. Cherish your memories. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Rosemary Moser
April 9, 2018
Our decade of Scrabble games will always be a fond memory, and I will miss our visits over the Scrabble board, my friend.
My condolences and sympathies to all of the family, of whom he always spoke so lovingly.
Jim Leavitt
April 7, 2018
I met Howard Lacombe in 1973 at the Rutland Airport. At that time he was the Station Manager and I was a new pilot for the company. Howard was a kind and generous gentleman then and during the years I worked with him. Everyone had a deep respect for Howard which he certainly deserved. He will be missed by anyone who was fortunate enough to have known him.
Michele Givani
April 7, 2018
David,
Sincere condolences for the loss of your Dad. Thoughts are with you.
Michele, Las Vegas, NV & "Aunt" Barb
Annette Zeff
April 7, 2018
A dear friend, scrabble buddy and so much fun. Annette
April 6, 2018
We are thinking of you and are in our prayers Smitty & Kay
Brian Fillioe
April 6, 2018
Kathy, David and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you .
Mary Weeks
April 6, 2018
What a kind and gentle man! I lived down the road from the airport and when we could scrape up change, we kids would ride our bikes up to the airport and get Fantas from the soda machine in the lobby. Howard and Stan, the mechanic, were always so patient with us, letting us look at the planes and telling us how they worked. That was a simpler time. My heart goes out to Howard's family and friends on the loss of a dear man.
Susie Dumas
April 5, 2018
God has another angel in heaven playing his violin - I will truly miss you Joe and your wonderful sense of humor - I was so blessed to know you and your family for the past 9 years...
Steve Dumas
April 3, 2018
All of us at Hope Medical Clinic mourn the loss of Joe, I'm sure he's playing his violin in the presence of his Savior. May God bless the family.
James Tomlinson
April 3, 2018
Sorry to hear of your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Brenna Wright
April 3, 2018
Thoughts to all of you during this time.
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