Normand F. LaBonte

Normand F. LaBonte, 94, of Gardner, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Fitchburg Healthcare, after a brief period of declining health.

He was born in Gardner on May 29, 1931, the son of the late Francis Goodness and Edna (Stone) LaBonte. Normand proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1948 to 1952 during the Korean War. Following his military service, he worked as a technician in the Aerospace Division Aircraft industry in California until he and his family returned to Massachusetts in 1969. He then began a long and dedicated career at Gardner State Hospital and Worcester State Hospital, where he worked until his retirement in 1985.

Following retirement, Normand remained active and engaged, working part-time as a school bus driver and later driving for MART within Gardner. He deeply enjoyed giving back to his community, especially through his volunteer work at the Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center, where he took great pride in helping with the food pantry by sorting and organizing donated goods.

Normand found joy in life's simple pleasures-browsing yard sales, spending Sundays at Rietta Ranch, collecting military memorabilia and Native American artifacts, listening to music, and working on puzzles. Above all, the moments he treasured most were those spent in the company of his family and friends.

Normand is survived by his sons, Ronald LaBonte and his wife Michelle, and Rodney LaBonte, all of Gardner; his daughters, Darlene Bernier and Kathleen Maynard, both of Athol; six grandchildren, Kim West of Florida, Jason Garner and his wife Karey of Gardner, Craig LaBonte of Gardner, Jeffrey Hullette of North Carolina, Robert Howlett of Gardner, and Anthony LaBonte of Georgia; six great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 71 years, Geraldine (Newell) LaBonte, who died on September 3, 2021; his youngest son, Richard LaBonte, who died in April of 2000; and his three sisters, Rita LaRoche, Myrtle P. Hoag, and Dorothy Taylor.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, February 3, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. in the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home. Burial with Military Honors at St. John's Cemetery, West Street, Gardner, MA, will be held in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Care Central VNA and Hospice, 34 Pearly Lane, Gardner, MA 01440. Please reference In Memory of Normand F. LaBonte.