Donald J. LaBonte

Plainfield – Donald J. LaBonte of Moosup, beloved husband of Janet "Pat" (Allard) LaBonte, passed away Wednesday evening, Nov. 23, 2022, at Hartford Hospital. He was 86.
Donald was born Aug. 2, 1936, in Putnam, the son of the late Joseph and Beatrice (Kerouack) LaBonte and had resided in Moosup for most of his life.
Donald was a veteran of the United States Air Force. He was employed as a mechanic for most of his career, working for Pakulis Equipment for over 40 years, and then retiring from W.I. Clark.
Besides his wife, Donald leaves his four children - Gary LaBonte (Debrah), John LaBonte (Tammie), Robert LaBonte (Tammy), and Suzanne Smith (Tom) - and 12 grandchildren: Jennifer Diakite (Sory), Michael LaBonte, Jared LaBonte (Allison), Pamela Earle (Christopher), Alysia Campbell (Evan), Keenan Smith (Brittany), Kirstin Evans (George), Kimberly Nelson (Matthew), Tanner Smith (Brandon), Kayla Brackett (Sean), Jake LaBonte (Victoria), and Alex LaBonte. He is further survived by eight great grandchildren: Zoey, Nolan, Penelope, Calliope, Malachi, Ava, Mia, and Hudson, with two more on the way - Baby Evans (due in December) and Baby Nelson (due in February). Donald was predeceased by two sisters: Lucille Serruto and Margaret Lavimoniere.
Donald loved having a house full. There could never be enough people coming over for dinner or a cookout. If you left Donald's house hungry, it was your own fault. Donald enjoyed being in his garage repairing tractors. He knew almost every farmer in eastern Connecticut and probably repaired something for them during his career. He continued with his mechanic's hobby until just a few months ago.
A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. in All Hallows Church, Moosup. A burial with military honors will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the American Lung Association, the Connecticut Humane Society, or the Alzheimer's Association.
www.doughertybrosfuneralhome.com