John Phillip Labrecque

John P. Labrecque, 52, of Sarasota, Florida, passed away on Thanksgiving, November 27, 2025.

Born on October 28, 1973, in Springfield, Massachusetts, to Robert and Charlene Labrecque, John grew up in Belchertown, Massachusetts and graduated from Belchertown High School, before answering the call to serve his country, enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1994 as an M1A1 Abrams Armor Crewman. He deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Desert Strike and later continued his service in the Army National Guard until 2002.

After returning home, John dedicated his life to helping others. While working for Veterans Services and attending Holyoke Community College, he discovered his true calling in emergency services. He began his EMS career as a volunteer with Hatfield Fire & EMS and worked at American Medical Response in Springfield/Holyoke. Never one to settle, he put himself through Greenfield Community College to become a paramedic, serving the communities of Springfield and Holyoke with compassion and skill.

In 2006, John realized a lifelong dream when he joined the Agawam Fire Department. For over 16 years, he served the town with unwavering pride, rising to the rank of Lieutenant and earning several commendations as a firefighter/paramedic – though he would never tell you. Those who worked alongside him knew him as steady, selfless, and calm under pressure.

It was on the job, riding together as partners at AMR, where John met the love of his life, Theresa Yacovone. What started as shared shifts turned into a deep and lasting love. They married and built a beautiful life, together for over 20 years, rooted in love, laughter, and devotion.

In 2022, John retired from the fire service and moved his family to Sarasota, Florida. Retirement brought a new mission and a deepened walk with the Lord. He reestablished his love and following of God and Christ, finding renewed strength and peace in his faith each day. He poured his heart into being the patriarch his family needed - doing absolutely everything for them - driving to school, making family dinners, fixing whatever needed fixing, and cherishing every moment by the Gulf of America with his wife, children, and friends. Whether walking the beach at sunrise or sunset, snorkeling, scuba diving, or just sitting in the sand watching the waves, those quiet Florida days with his family and in the presence of his Savior were his greatest joy.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Theresa Yacovone Labrecque; his children, Kaylyn, CJ, and Jack Labrecque; his parents, Robert and Charlene Labrecque; his mother in law, Maureen Yacovone; his brother Richard Labrecque (Paula) and sister Michelle Labrecque; as well as many nieces, nephews, brother- and sister-in-laws, and countless friends who were family by choice. He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Stephen Yacovone.

John was always a helper, would give you the shirt off his back and the flip flops off his feet; a soldier, a first responder, a leader, and above all, a husband and father whose love knew no limits. His family finds comfort knowing he is now at peace, watching over them where the Gulf meets heaven.

A celebration of John's life will be held on Saturday December 13th, at 12 pm, at the Gulf of America on Bradenton Beach, 200 Gulf Drive N, Bradenton Beach, FL. Resort casual attire. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to benefit John's children can be made by check to Theresa Labrecque, mailed to 8350 Bee Ridge Road, Suite 259, Sarasota, FL 34241.