John P. Labbadia

1950 - 2026

John P. Labbadia
John Patsy Labbadia, 76, lifetime resident of Middletown, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026. He was the beloved husband of Dianne (McDonell) Labbadia.
John was the fourth son of the late Vincent P. and Kathleen Ruth (Newman) Labbadia. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1969, where he was an accomplished athlete, securing the 1968 CVC City Football Championship in 1968. He enjoyed working with Middletown youth through the Park & Recreation Department, going on to graduate from the Connecticut Police Academy in 1973, and serving the City of Middletown for over 30 years as a Patrol Officer, as well as in the Family Services Unit of the Detective Bureau. His proudest memories of "the job" were working with teens at Middletown High School, serving as a positive influence and getting kids back in the classroom with a gentle hand. John was notably a third-generation Labbadia who owned Pompey's Restaurant in Middletown.
A rabid Whalers fan, he attended almost every home game with his daughter from 1989 until they left Connecticut. The only team to outshine the Whalers were his beloved Green Bay Packers. It is speculated that his choice of wife was because she was from Wisconsin and a Packer fan who cooked Brats on Sundays - his ideal. He enjoyed golf, fishing (for golf balls and fish), boating on the river and the Long Island Sound, camping, playing cards, scratch tickets and Sunday drives to the shoreline and neighboring states. He inherited his father's penchant for long adventures, including pizza in Rhode Island and hot dogs on the ocean. He cherished his fellow Middletown Police Officers, friends from the Middletown BPO Elks, especially his fellow card players, and morning Dunkin Donuts buddies.
A larger-than-life personality, John lit up those around him focusing more on them than himself. Through his police work, he easily deescalated situations with his good nature. He stood up for those in need around the city and served as a mentor to many teenagers. Children were drawn to him. He masterfully "Pied Pipered" away restless children so their parents could eat peacefully in his restaurant. And he eagerly was there to help any friends or family members in need - from home projects to interventions, John was someone you could count on. "Whatever you want, I want" was his creed when it came to his family.
In addition to his wife of 52 years, he is survived by his two daughters, Jennifer Labbadia-Colón and husband, Adam, of Guilford and Jolene Lippitt and husband, CJ, of Wethersfield; five grandsons, Jonah, Asher and Canaan Labbadia-Colón and Gavin and Kade Lippitt; his one and only Georgia Peach granddaughter, Angelina Labbadia-Colón; his three brothers, Vincent Labbadia and wife, Bonnine, Joseph Labbadia and wife, Margaret, and William Labbadia; his three sisters, Julie Pollitt, Judy Schoenhardt and husband, Roger, and Kathleen (Joy) Manuel and husband, Fred. He also leaves behind a multitude of nieces and nephews and many cherished godchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his two brothers, Anthony Labbadia and Pompeo Labbadia; sister-in-law, Caron Labbadia; brother-in-law, Jack Pollitt. He leaves behind his "brothers by choice" Lewis R. Labbadia, Joseph L. Labbadia, Jeff Wagner and Joe (Mamba) DiCostanzo.
Johnny's greatest joy was his family. From his daughter's recitals and sports to his grandchildren's sports and school activities, "Boppa" tried to make every event. They all share his competitive nature and enjoy memories of games and activities together. The family would like to thank everyone who reached out with their stories of John and to help. Many of you are strangers that are now friends.
John's family will receive friends on Sunday, March 15, 2026, from 3:00pm - 5:00pm at Carmon Funeral Home, 807 Bloomfield Avenue in Windsor. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 16, at 11:00am at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1055 Randolph Road, in Middletown. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to help end Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a cherished family cause, through parentprojectmd.org or to PPMD, 1012 14th Street, NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20005.