Paul James LaBelle

Paul James LaBelle, 78, of S. Abington Twp., passed away unexpectedly on June 20, 2025. Paul was born on Sept. 21, 1946, in Dunmore, and was the son of the late James and Jennie Summa LaBelle.
Paul was a graduate of St. Paul's High School, Class of 1964, and joined the U.S. Army as a student at the University of Scranton, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1970. He went on to earn his Master of Business Administration from the University of Scranton in 1974.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Peggy LaBelle Perry; niece, Judi Perry Hartridge and her husband, John; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Gerard and Mary Jane Sheridan, and brother-in-law Robert Morgan.
He is survived by the love of his life, Sharon Brady LaBelle, with whom he shared 56 years of wedded bliss. It was Sharon's unfailing love that allowed him to achieve his greatest accomplishments. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law Carmel and Robert D'Angelo, Dunmore, sister-in-law Sheila Morgan, Marlton, NJ, brother-in-law and sister-in law, George and Patricia Lynett, Scranton, and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews, whom he treated like his own children and always celebrated their accomplishments.
Far beyond a musician, Paul was a creator, conductor, band leader and industry businessman. He made a full-time career as a professional musician for over 58 years. Paul was the founder and leader of The Exact Change band. He conducted, toured and played with Cab Calloway, Henny Youngman, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, the Cherelle's, Bow Diddly, Del Shannon, Toti Fields, Phyllis Diller, and Steve Lawrence and Edie Gourmet. He appeared on The Merv Griffin and Mike Douglas Show with The Exact Change band. He played for President Ronald Reagan as well as for Governor Robert P. Casey's Inaugural Ball celebrations in 1987 and 1991. He also was responsible for the training of many of today's top performers who found their start with The Exact Change band. He dedicated his career to developing talent both in the band as well as in the classroom. He repeatedly received the Electric City's Best of Award for Best Band. He most enjoyed giving guitar lessons and passing along his craft to the youth of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Founder of the Judi H Rock On event in memory of his niece, Judi Perry Hartridge, he raised substantial resources for The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute. He was honored by the Board of Ambassadors and received the Spirit of Hope Tribute to Courage award for his work to ease the burden of cancer.
He was a lifelong member of the Country Club of Scranton, where he was an avid golfer and could be found on Monday nights enjoying a nice drink and cigar at "choir practice". He was also a member of the Scranton Canoe Club and Our Lady of Snows parish. A devout New York Yankees fan, he created a shrine in his basement dedicated to his favorite team.
Paul devoted his life to his family and friends, and no one was a stranger in his presence. He was a master in the kitchen, preparing and cooking his family heirloom Italian recipes. He loved hosting his family and friends and many will fondly remember his annual pepper parties. Everyone will remember his good stories and his bad jokes and the joy he brought to us all.
The family would like to thank Dr. W. David Fitzpatrick and Great Valley Cardiology, Dr. Louis Kareha, and Dr. J. Robert Gavin Jr. for their continuous, compassionate care.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, June 26th at 9:30 a.m. at SS. Anthony and Rocco Parish, Dunmore, with interment to follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Dunmore. Family and friends may call on Wednesday, June 25th from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to or volunteer at the St. Paul's/St. Clare's food pantry.
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