J. Russell LaBarge Jr.

J. Russell LaBarge, Jr. "Russ", August 29, 2024, Age 79. Beloved husband of Susan (nee Brady) for 55 cherished years. Loving father of Aimee (Jason) Poole and Jay (Kelly) LaBarge. Proud grandfather of Kevin (Kate) Kostka, Hannah and Ryan Poole, Jordan, Janie, and Vivienne LaBarge, and great grandfather of Nolan, Henry, and Leo Russell Kostka.
Memorial Visitation Thursday September 19th 10:30am-11:00am, followed by Memorial Mass at 11:00am, at St. Peter Catholic Church, 95 Market St., Mt. Clemens, MI 48043.
Russ LaBarge was a dear human being, a successful attorney, a lovely family man – but most of all, full of fun with a positive outlook on life. We admired his quiet sense of humor and zest for life.
His many interests and passions included: running (completed 3 marathons and one of the founders of the annual Roseville Big Bird Race starting in 1978), golfing (2 holes in one), swimming, boating, water and cross country skiing, music (especially the classics like the Beatles and Beach Boys), cars (from a triumph convertible, to a VW convertible to 911 Porches), many wonderful trips with Sue and family (both in the US and abroad), and trying new restaurants. Russ loved to celebrate personal, professional and family milestones and accomplishments by sharing large amounts of food he was the original "Foodie". Russ enjoyed living on Lake Huron for the last 42 years. He was usually the first one in Lake Huron in the spring and the last one out in the fall.
Russ grew up in Roseville, the oldest of 7 children, with his mother Margaret and father J. Russell, a judge and Roseville City Attorney. His family includes sisters Michelle Stephanoff (Bob), Suzanne Fried, the late Denise MacDonald, and Monique Grenda (Ronald); and brothers Randy LaBarge (Patti) and Ron LaBarge (Edie). His father directed him to choose either the profession of priest or attorney, and thankfully for us, he chose the law.
Russ was a graduate of Michigan State University and Wayne State University Law School. His legal career spanned 53 years, with him serving as a partner in firms such as LaBarge Zatkoff & Dinning; LaBarge Dinning Lyons & Greve; Johnson Rosati LaBarge; and Bellanca LaBarge (where he practiced law with Jay for 5 years). Russ joined O'Reilly Rancilio as "of counsel" for the final 5 years of his career. And what a career it was. Russ was known as a lawyer with the utmost integrity and a true gentleman. He was a respected municipal attorney with long tenures as City Attorney for Roseville, Harper Woods and Richmond Township.
Russ served as President of the Macomb Bar Association (1988-1989); was named Chairman of the Blue Water Commission evaluating water quality of the great lakes; and was a Macomb County Public Administrator, an appointment given by the Michigan Attorney General. Throughout his career as public administrator, municipal attorney and general practitioner, Russ exhibited kindness and respect to all.
Russ first met Sue Brady on a blind date in July 1968. They married in February 1970 and were inseparable from that point forward. The words "Sue and Russ" became synonymous. Sue and Russ had a loving marriage and spent their 55 years of marriage devoted to each other, raising a wonderful family with 2 children Aimee Poole (Jason) and Jay LaBarge (Kelly), 6 grandchildren Kevin Kostka (Kate), Hannah Poole, Ryan Poole, Jordan LaBarge, Janie LaBarge and Vivienne LaBarge, and (currently) 3 great grandchildren Nolan Kostka, Henry Kostka and Leo Russell Kostka.
His children and grandchildren benefitted by his quiet and soothing manner. They enjoyed his ever present but subtle encouragement and support in academics, sports and life. Russ was a constant in all of their lives. He passed on many of his passions to his entire family, especially his life-long love of the game of golf to Jay and Kevin. Russ loved his family traditions as well, including carving the turkey with Kevin at Thanksgiving, playing golf on Father's Day with Jay, Kevin, Jason and Ryan, or celebrating his favorite day of the year at the cottage (the Longest Day of the Year/First Day of Summer). He was so proud of his family, including the fact that Aimee and Jay followed him into the field of law.
Russ led his family by example with a tireless work ethic and unconditional love of family. This love of family was passed on to us and has resulted in a strong family bond, which was especially apparent during these last difficult months.
We will sorely miss "Russ", "Dad", "Husband", "Papa", "Brother", "Uncle", "Friend", "Partner", and our trusted advisor.
In lieu of flowers, consider donating to Forgotten Harvest (15000 W. Eight Mile Rd, Oak Park, MI 48237) or Capuchin Soup Kitchen (1820 Mount Elliot St., Detroit, MI 48207). No flowers please.
To share memories with the family, visit their "On-Line Guest Book" @ WujekCalcaterra.com.