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John R. Labonte
1926 - 2013
John R. Labonte
1926 - 2013
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1926
DIED
2013
John Labonte Obituary
He was born in Lewiston on October 4, 1926, the son of William and Eva Labonte. He was educated in Lewiston schools and graduated from Lewiston High School in 1947 after serving in the U.S. Navy for two years. He married Constance LeClair that same year. They were married for 65 years. They resided on Old Greene Road in Lewiston for twenty-two years before moving to Thompson Lake in Casco in 1980. They also resided in Ocala, Florida for twelve winters. John was employed at Sears for seventeen years, the last of which as Service Manager. After leaving Sears he became self-employed establishing Chip & Scratch Furniture & Appliance Touch-Up. He remained self-employed until retiring in 1986.
John was an avid sportsman, enjoying high-school football, softball and hockey, bowling, hunting, fishing, and horseshoe pitching. He had a great sense of humor and loved to make people laugh. He lived by the side of the road and was a friend to man.
He is predeceased by two brothers, Arthur and Valdor Labonte.
He is survived by his wife, Constance G. Labonte, and six children: Jeannine (Mrs. Pierre Levesque), Louise (Mrs. Maurice Dennis), Thomas Labonte and wife, Peggy, Anne LeBlanc, Marc Labonte and Suzanne (Mrs. Steve Gorr), eleven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and his special hunting and fishing buddy, Normand LeClair.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in John's memory to Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice, 15 Strawberry Avenue, Lewiston, ME 04240.
You are invited to share your condolences with the Labonte family by visiting their guest book at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Joe Maher
April 12, 2014
Uncle John your still very missed by alot of people, Love Ya, The Maher Family.
March 27, 2013
Kathy Ricker/Bolduc
March 27, 2013
Dear Labonte cousins: I am so sorry for your losses.... I cannot imagine what it is like for you all right now. I will always be able to hear Uncle John' s hearty laugh. And how he LOVED to tease Elaine and I by switching our names around! What a character! I will also remember how Aunt Connie had me over for lobster one year for my birthday...so sweet! I hope your faith and love for one another gives you comfort in the days and weeks to come. Prayers coming your way.
Kathy Ricker Bolduc
michelle levesque
March 26, 2013
I don't have fancy words or poems to tell you how I feel or how much I miss you or how much you taught me. I just know that your hugs are the ones I hold every other up to; your unique sense of humor is what I'll always look for a smidgen of in others, and your family dedication has shown me how a person should live a real life of quality. Thank you so much for being you. you will be in my heart and mind always. <3
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gretel taska
March 21, 2013
Dearest Connie (and family),
I was blessed to meet you and your dear husband almost four years ago. In that short time, I made memories to last my lifetime. What a gift to be able to call him my friend. As a frequent recipient of those legendary hugs I feel grateful. Connie, you remain in my heart and in my prayers. I cannot imagine the depth of your sorrow. I am hopeful that you find solace in knowing John's love and laughter beats strong in the hearts of those he left behind.
Diane Vallee Labonte
March 20, 2013
Dear Aunt Connie and family,
My condolences for the loss of such a wonderful man.
I will always remember Uncle John for his one of a kind smile that would light up the room. I thought that no one gave better hugs than my own family, that was before I met my husbands Uncle John!!! I am so glad to have had the privilege of knowing him. He always took time to ask how the family was doing and strike up a conversation. He was someone who was fun and enjoyable to be around. He had a terrific personality, always had a smile on his face, and was Loved by many. Everyone should be so Blessed to have an Uncle like him. Hold close to your hearts the memories. His Love, wisdom, laughter, and humor will live on through you, his family. My prayers are with you all during this difficult time in your lives.
Love to you all.
Diane
March 20, 2013
Live,Love,Laugh, that says it all when we think of John, also a big hug to go with the above. Our hearts are heavy and our sorrow deep for the entire Labonte family. Connie we will hold you with warm thoughts. Love, Ed and Dianne
Tonie Ferrary-Baer
March 20, 2013
Louise, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Words fall short at a time like this just know we are all thinking about you.
Sam
March 20, 2013
"He lived by the side of the road." He was the man with the teasing and quick humor. He was the man with that unique voice that welcomed us to his home. He was the man with the strong arms that hugged us all. He was the man with the hairy ears that always took the time to listen. He was the man that truly knew how to enjoy life. He was the man whose family always came first. He was my dad's best friend. He was the man that I was proud to have as my uncle. He was the man I saw he was meant to be on his birthday in 2011 with his grandsons. He was the man that stayed strong to the end so we didn't have to. He was the man that told me he would be my angel. So many stories, so many memories, so many many laughs, thank you Uncle John.
Debbie and Dave Hil
March 20, 2013
My trips to Maine will never be the same.Uncle John and Aunt Connie always made me feel so welcomed to their little piece of paradise. As other have said you could always count on the best feeling hug from Uncle John. He made me feel special. I will miss my blueberry pickin buddie.
Tom Labonte
March 20, 2013
Although I am proud that I look like him and have some of his abilities, I aspire to be as open, outgoing, friendly and humorous as he was. Dad, I will miss your wisdom, guidance, limitless encouragement and support. But mostly I will miss your hugs.
Elaine and Rod Woodward and Family
March 20, 2013
My family and I have wonderful memories of the time spent with Uncle John as he boated us around Thompson Lake and you both shared your lovely home, solitude and hummingbirds. So sorry for the loss of a kind, kind man. I wish we could have spent more time with you both. Aunt Connie, our love, thoughts and prayers are with you all.
March 19, 2013
Dear Aunt Connie, So many memories of you and Uncle John. I close my eyes and I can see Uncle John pitching horseshoes, or taking Mom out fishing. How she loved to go to Casco and put on her vest and cast a few. YOU both have created wonderful times and memories for the McGrath family. I will always feel those great bear hugs from Uncle John. Love to you and my cousins. Maureen
patty pelletier
March 19, 2013
Dear Aunt Connie and Family,
I wish you strength and peace.
I wish you a good memory even today that brings
a smile to your face..
How I loved a hug from Uncle John...
I sooo loved his sense of humor and how his
entire face lit up when he smiled...
Seemed he was always so happy to see you,.
Walking toward me, arms spread...Loved that...
From the time I was small to last week....So lucky to
have hugged him...and to be hugged...
Lets all promise each other to always hug like
OUR UNCLE JOHN
I send you all a hug today Love, Patty
Jeannine Levesque
March 19, 2013
We were blessed to have a dad with the gift to motivate and inspire.
He always said that no one was "better" than we were. If we were intimidated by someone that we percieved as being a "big wheel", dad would say "You know what dogs do to wheels".
His solidarity and care of mom spoke volumes!
He was "thinking out of the box" before it came into vogue.
Regardless of how little dad had, he was glad to lend an ear or a hand.
I trust that the Good Lord will allow his laughter to resonate across the heavens.
I'll be listening dad.....
Faye Labonte Lashua
March 19, 2013
Aunt Connie and all the cousins,
So very sorry for your loss. Uncle John may be gone but won't be forgotten. I will always remember his smile, awesome laugh, funny jokes and best hugs ever. As a kid, when the family would get together, when we knew Uncle John was coming, we always knew it would be a great time. He always took the time to talk to you one on one, which coming from a family as large as ours, was no easy task. He is now in a better place, without pain and enjoying the time with others who have gone before him. My memories of Uncle John will always bring a smile to my face. Love always Faye Labonte Lashua
Twinkle Eyes
Anne LeBlanc
March 19, 2013
venise martin simpson
March 19, 2013
my condolences to the family . from venise[ martin ]simpson
Elke Thoné and family
March 19, 2013
I only met you on a few occasions, but I still remember how cheerful you were. You made me feel welcome, thank you for that!
Jeannine, Pete, Michelle and Dennis, my thoughts are with you.
Phil & Rhonda
March 19, 2013
Please accept our deepest sympathy. John will be missed by everyone who knew him.
He was the first to offer a helping hand.
His wit always brought smiles.
Thank you, John, for being a good neighbor and a friend. We love you.
Raymond Frechette
March 19, 2013
Sincere sympathies to the family.
Gloria & Ray Frechette
Tom Beruibe
March 19, 2013
I want to express my sincerest condolences, Connie, to you, your children, family and friends.
John was a good husband, father and my friend. I haven't seen you, Jeannine and Louise, since shortly after high school, but asked your father and mother about you many times through the years.
I met John for the first time when I was 14 years old and helped him hang a large 17 point buck in the Dumont's maple tree. Little did I know at that time I would hunt deer and fish with him.
One memorable trip was one of my few winter camping /fishing trips. It was at Joe Mary Lake where we caught many salmon. I remember John's resourcefulness on that trip. He repaired the bar-b-que grill for the trip with an old gun barrel from a .22 rifle!
Over the years when I fished the Heath end of Thompson Lake, I always crossed the road from the boat launch and visited, swapping hunting and fishing stories. I will miss his laughter.
Sincerely,
Tom Berube
Gary Yackley
March 19, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the Labonte family. I will miss seeing John walking his doggy along Heath Road. He was a pleasure to talk to with his quick smile and his ability to make me smile too.
March 19, 2013
Louise and Family,
My deepest and sincerest sympathy at the passing of your loved one. They say the dash on a memorial stone is the most important thing. It represents the life, from birth to passing, of the individual. From the looks of it, Louise, your Dad's dash consits of a long and rewarding life, and that is to be celebrated.
Eny
Suzi Gorr
March 19, 2013
My Father knew how to really listen to someone and shared that gift with family, friends and strangers. When you were with him you were the most important thing in the world. And yet he quickly came up with a stupid joke before you could ever take yourself too seriously. He was a cool Dad. I know he listens still.
Lisa Bergeron
March 19, 2013
Grandpa, you will be greatly missed! Thank you for bringing me home from the hospital when I was born and for being such a wonderful grandfather and person. I'm glad my daughter had a chance to meet you and spend time with you and Grandma over the past nine years. She will always have a special place in her heart for her Great Grandfather. I love you and will miss you so much Grandpa.
Sandra Melanson
March 19, 2013
John had a laugh and a jovial voice that could be heard at the other side of the lake. He also gave the best hugs of anyone I've ever met. Our deepest sympathy to the Labonte Family.
Lisa Verreault Ricker
March 19, 2013
I was saddened to read of the passing of John Labonte. He was the father of my high school sweetheart Marc. I spent several years on and off with the Labonte family when I was young and have so many fond memories of John...especially at the camp in Casco. I lost my own dad a year ago...it is a very difficult time. I will be thinking of all of you...and hope you are all well.
March 19, 2013
"Our Deepest Sympathy" to the Labonte Family for the lost of your husband and dad. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you. Prayers that God will make each day easier and that you always remember the good memories that you have of your husband and dad.
Love Jim & Jackie Doyon Michaud Ormond Beach,Florida
Louise Dennis
March 19, 2013
"Thank you, Dad, for always being there for us, for the love and support that you always gave, for being the role model that you were, and for the laughter that could be heard across the lake when we had family gatherings. Love you, Dad."
Pat (Bannister) Lewis
March 19, 2013
To my good friend Anne and the whole Labonte family, you have my sincere condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Diane Berube
March 18, 2013
Anne, Tom, Susie, Louise, Jeannine and Mark my sympathy. To Mrs. Labonte, in my times shared with you and your family. I saw a very loving husband who greeted his wife every night with a kiss and how was your day. Whom enjoyed your home cooked meals and looked forward to your delicious desserts. It's no wonder that you both lived such a long, loving, happy life together. Sorry for the loss of your husband, your friend, and YOUR LOVE. You were Great together. My sympathy
Sherri Levesque
March 18, 2013
I will always remember how you made me laugh. Thank you for your smile. Give my Dad A hug.Prayers to all.
Joe Maher
March 18, 2013
Love You Uncle John, Don't Take Over Heaven, RIP.
Rick Cavers
March 18, 2013
We Fished, We Talked, We Work On Projects Together And I Loved Every Minute Of It
Thank you My Friend I Will Never Forget You
Anne LeBlanc
March 18, 2013
Your precious gift of laughter will get me through, I know, but have to get past the pain - trying to draw on the strength you so beautifully shared. Miss you Dad. There aren't enough words to express my gratitude for all you've passed on to me and all that you were to me. I love you so very much.
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70 Horton Street, Lewiston, ME 04240
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