Robert "Bob" LaBelle

GENEVA - After a long and full life, Robert "Bob" LaBelle passed away August 27, 2025 in Baldwinsville, N.Y. He was born in Watertown to Lawrence "Larry" LaBelle, and Gladys Elliott LaBelle. He was 101 years old.

Robert was a U.S. Army veteran who served as First Lieutenant in the 1267 Engineer Combat Battalion during World War II. He served both in Europe and the Philippines. After graduating with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Cornell University in 1950, Robert married his sweetheart, fellow Cornellian Mary Elizabeth Brougham, a native of Catskill, N.Y. The newlyweds then moved to the Geneva area when Robert accepted a position at the NYS Agricultural Experiment Station. In his role as a respected professor and food scientist for 31 years, Robert advised numerous growers, processors, and entrepreneurs in the state and helped them develop better quality products, particularly apple, hard cider and fruit wine. During his tenure, he also took three sabbatical leaves to conduct research at the USDA Western Research Laboratory in Albany, CA, Utah State University and Oregon State University.

In his forties, Robert took up marathon running, competing in races in Boston, New York and Honolulu among others. He also competed in the Senior Olympic Games in Toronto, Canada and Goteborg, Sweden. His interests were wide-ranging and included classical music, chess, cross-county skiing, bicycling and mountain climbing. An avid hiker, Robert supported the development of the Finger Lakes trail system and served two terms as President of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference (FLTC).

Robert was predeceased by his parents; wife Mary; and companion Joan Procopio; sister Norma LaBelle Cumpston; sister-in-law Helen Brougham; brothers-in-law Robert Brougham and Milo Cumpston; and son-in-law Reza Kardooni. Survivors include sons Steven and Remi (Barbara); daughters Cathy Kardooni and Linda LaBelle, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Interment with honor guard detail will take place at the New York State Veterans Cemetery in Romulus, N.Y. later this month. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be directed to the Finger Lakes Trail Conference or WCNY Radio.

Guestbook at FalardeauFH.com