Michael A. Larabie

It is with an extremely heavy heart that we announce the passing of Michael "Mikey" Larabie. Mike passed away peacefully with his loving wife by his side on Thursday, September 4, after a brief illness. Mike became ill in November of 2024 and passed with no real diagnoses, as the medical system failed him. Mikey was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His journey on this earth was one marked by love, and compassion. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by him. We ask that you remember him not for the way his life ended, but for the way it was lived, and the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Born in Tupper Lake on August 20, 1950 he was the fourth of nine children born to Phillip and Marcella (Desmarais) Larabie.
He attended local school and graduated from Tupper Lake High School in 1968. He graduated from North Country Community College with a AS in Business Administration. He then enlisted in the Air Force, In February 1972 he began his Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio Texas. Mike served in the Republic of Turkey, Fairford England, Mississippi, Las Vegas Nevada. He was also assigned for a time to Pennsylvania as a recruiter, finishing his career at Plattsburgh Air Force base. Mike retired as a Master Sargent in 1992. He served during Vietnam, the bombing of Libya, and Desert Storm.
He began his federal service at the Plattsburgh Air Force base in 1993 then transferred to the U.S. Post Office June 1994 in Tupper Lake. There he enjoyed helping to make sure that packages were sent out and greeted everyone with his chipper attitude. He retired from the post office in 2013.
Mike joined the VFW Post 3120 in 1994 and served as the chaplain from 1995 - 2015, when he was elected as Jr. Vice Commander and held that position from 2015- 2017. He is a lifetime member of the VFW. In 1994 he joined the Tupper Lake Honor Guard and became the commander in 1996 until he took ill in November 2024. Mike was the guest speaker for the Memorial Day service in 2017. He felt privileged to honor the many Military funerals he held with his honor guard members. You could find him and the honor guard members at the start of the local Varsity Football home games.
Working on a third career Mike started working at our local Save A Lot for at least the past ten years. He would greet the customers by name as they came into the store. He worked up to November 2024 when he became ill. Mike also helped at the Free Press. He was always there with a helping hand, kind words and was a true pillar of our community.
He was previously married which ended in divorce. He had two children Jason and Amanda Larabie.
On June 10, 2015 he proposed to Phyllis Roberge Amell at the Relay for Life, and they were married on September 19, 2015. Together they enjoyed spending time together fishing, traveling and spending time with his many step-grandchildren. He enjoyed bowling on the Monday Night Men's league and the Tuesday night mixed league with his wife Phyllis and Scot Dukett. Mike was an avid Yankee's fan.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Phyllis, a daughter Amanda (Kevin) Beese of Plattsburgh; a stepdaughter, Celeste Amell and her fiance Ryan Young of Tupper Lake, two stepsons Jerry (Alyssa) Amell of Missouri; Jordan Amell and his significant other Teasha Conant of Piercefield; two grandchildren, Kaysen and Everett Beese and 11 step-grandchildren Aiden, Landon, Erin, Amani, Mila and Charley Amell, Neil, Zeke, Karter and Mariah Young and Harlee Howard. He is also survived by four sisters: Susan (Wayne) Barcomb of Brooksville, Fla., Denise (Richard) Burke of Canton; Teresa Dennis of Cortland; and Kathleen (Jerry) Jandreau of Potsdam, one brother, Stephen (Priscella) Larabie of Manassas Virginia. He also leaves behind nephews and nieces especially his favorite niece that he called his Junior Princess Sonya. Along with a community of friends.
He was predeceased by his parents and his beloved son Jason in 2011, two brothers David and Philip Larabie and a sister Marie Larabie.
Online condolences may be made at www.fraryfuneralhome.com/obituaries. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Mike's memory to the Tupper Lake Honor Guard / Jason Larabie memorial fund, 196 Park Street, Tupper Lake or the Tupper Lake Rescue Squad, P.O.Box 901, Tupper Lake, NY 12986.
Although Mike's physical presence may no longer grace our lives, his spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May his memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth his legacy of love and compassion in all that we do. As you are now in your eternal home, Mike, your light will forever shine brightly in our hearts.
There are no words that can express how grateful and blessed we are to those who donated to his go fund me so we were allowed to spend his remaining time together in our home.
Calling hours wil be held on Thursday, September 11 from 3p.m. to 6p.m. at the Frary Funeral Home, 24 Cliff Ave, Tupper Lake. A graveside service will be held at a later date with a celebration of life to follow.
Online condolences may be made at www.fraryfuneralhome.com/obituaries. Donation in Mike's memory can be made to the Tupper Lake Honor Guard / Jason Larabie memorial fund, 196 Park Street, Tupper Lake or the Tupper Lake Rescue Squad, P.O.Box 901, Tupper Lake, NY 12986. To send flowers to the family of Michael, please visit our floral store.