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John Laabs Obituary
He was born in Webster, Mass., on Dec. 25, 1942, the son of Max and Marguerite Laabs. He received his bachelor of science degree in engineering from UCONN, and also worked towards his master's degree at UCONN. His hobbies included Tai-Chi. He was a safety representative with the AWA for personal watercraft safety.
He is survived by a son, John M. Laabs, of North Stonington; a daughter, Michelle Laabs Roise, of Deep River; a brother, Mark Laabs, of Webster; a sister, Marguerite Blaine, of North Grosvenordale; and five grandchildren, Max and Kyera Laabs, and Emily, Melina and Michael Roise.
A service of remembrance will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Ave., New London. Interment will be private.
Memorial contributions may be made to either the Peaceful Wolf T'aichi Chuan School, 199 Old Hartford Road, Colchester CT 06415; or a check may be made payable to Jeanne Zuzel, c/o Healing Touch, 7 Greenbriar Road, Norwich CT 06360 for a scholarship to be established in his name.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Laabs
Vinny Marchitto
February 9, 2021
This is a great reminder for Ralph’s memory. I think about him often. My family still uses some of his special quotes! So sad that we lost him so early. Really miss that crazy guy!
Bobbie Beyers
March 9, 2006
You and I had a love that many people could only hope to attain. You made me feel like I was the most important person in the world.You gave me back my smile and my giggle.I see you in my dreams and that comforts me.I know you're with me and are still caring for me.
Kathy Willis
March 9, 2006
John - Your gentle soul and smiling face will live in my heart and forever remind me that "LIFE IS GOOD". Willikx
Sarah Houlihan
March 8, 2006
Ralph was a great man and big part of my life for a long time. He was always ready to go have fun or to fix something, even if it had been broken by me and my brother being dumb. He helped me with everything from learning to drive to homework problems. Even though I hadn't seen him in a while I knew how much he would be missed by everyone whos life he had been a part of, including myself and my family.
Vin Marchitto
February 26, 2006
I spoke to Ralph almost daily. We had a special relationship with each other. There was constant planning on which trees to cut down in my yard. Yes, he had a thing with a chain saw!!. How many guys would pack up his tools and be in your driveway in ten minutes if you called? Ralph could help you with everything from an oil change to a computer problem. He could do it all, and would help you do it all and ask nothing in return. I called him Ralph’s Oil & Lube/Temple Construction Inc.
He lived to the fullest and did it his way. Never settled.
Most of the time, we talked about guy stuff, tools, generators, cars, and sometimes girls!. I worked with him side by side for several years. Always a friend and advisor, he made going to work fun.
After leaving our jobs together, I thought we would drift apart, but he did not let that happen. If I didn’t call him, I would get the dreaded message on my cell – Neeeeed Wooooood. I knew it was time to get together, usually at Home Depot!
He was a best friend that I truly miss. He understood my sick sense of humor and matched it with his own. Ralph was one of a kind.
His passing left a big hole in our lives that can not be filled.
The Marchitto Family
Shel Roy
February 20, 2006
John was such a good friend. He was one of my favorite T'ai Chi partners - always ready to play and so helpful in refining postures. John gave so much of himself but what I treasure most was how he helped me feel 8 years old again! What a joy to once feel free to be silly and giggle with a good friend. I miss him every day.
Judi Murphy
February 19, 2006
Mick, John and family - Your dad was an amazing man. What can I tell that the world does not already know!! I see him in you and his beautiful grandchildren. John's love and smiles will always live in our hearts.
Marie La Tourette
February 19, 2006
I recently met John thru Healing Touch. He was a very wise man and gave me some wonderful life advice.
Here is a little from T.S Elliot that John would appreciate.
We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.
Fred Comstock
February 19, 2006
The term MENTOR always comes to mind when I think of John. For Johne.5 was always watching /helping me, as well as others, to allow us to see where we have been and to reflect on our past to better design our future. It was one of my greatest pleasures in life to have a friend, confidante, and mentor named John Laabs. He will be sorely missed.
Jeff Rosenberg
February 19, 2006
I will miss John and think of him every time I go to class in the building that would not be there if not for his selfless dedication to friends and for his love of tai chi. I always admired him for making a happy and contented life for himself, and for making those around him feel the same way whenever in his presence. He helped me on several occasions to make some repairs to my house, always offering to do so without me asking, and always caring for my home as if it was his own. He was brilliant, positive, and generous with himself and with his time and wisdom, and I have no doubt that he will leave some of that legacy with everyone who knew him.
Linda Peduzzi
February 18, 2006
'Johnny' Laabs was a joy to be around. He was an enthusiastic and good friend to me. I still play the music discs he shared with me. I am so glad I got to know him. My thoughts are with his family.
Laura Grant
February 17, 2006
I was surprized and shocked when told of John's sudden death. As a less advanced tai chi player and class mate I have appreciated his greater knowledge of tai chi. I will forever miss his constant sense of delight in all things and his mischievous, elfin personality.
Steven Laabs
February 17, 2006
Being the youngest nephew I missed out on knowing Uncle John really well. However everyone always told such great stories on his behalf. I have neighbors that haven't seen him in 40 years that tell me stories of when they were young and causing trouble of this sort or that. That kind of longevity is what shows he was a great man to all.
Heidi Cannon
February 16, 2006
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult and confusing time. John is a wonderful, thoughtful person.
John, I’ll miss talking with you every week after your Tai Chi workout. You are a very good friend. You will be missed by many.
“Heidikins”
John M. Laabs
February 16, 2006
His wit and sense of humor were unmatched. Many knew of his genius and outstanding capabilities. The man knew how to help all individuals, and in return, that's what helped him. Even upon his death, he made it simple and assembled a process with ease for us. That’s the man he was!
Thank you all. We love him dearly.
John and Family
Ray and Dot Dussault
February 15, 2006
John and family:Our sincere condolences to you on the loss of your loved one.Our thoughts are with you.Ray and Dot Dussault
Roger Monast
February 15, 2006
Johne.5....no one will ever have a better co-worker and buddy than you. Thanks again for your personal oversight of my electrical work at the house! You were tough! Thanks. We will remember you with fondness.
Roger & Doris Monast
Helen Vennari
February 15, 2006
John was a wonderful example of how to Live. He will be missed.
Karen (Perri) Licitra
February 15, 2006
I worked with John and his son at HES years ago and was very good friends with his son John. I was very sad to read of John's death and wanted his son to know how sorry I am for him and his family's loss. His whole family was very nice to me and I enjoyed the time that I worked together with both of them and spent time with them. I just wanted to reach out and send my thoughts and prayers to the family and especially John even though it has been a long time since we've been in touch. I still remember you and your family and especially your dad.
Lisa Sayers
February 15, 2006
I did not know John very well. I am in Healing Touch and have seen him at Peaceful Wolf Tai Chi. He has been my partner at HT several times. I was so saddened to hear of his death, I cried when I read his obit to someone else. He was such a gentle and serene soul. He loved HT and all its members; his face was so easily readable. I will miss him, and my condolences to his family. He created a circle of love. Know that you are smack dab in the center of it!
John Hampton
February 15, 2006
Sorry to hear of your loss. John was a good friend here at Millstone and he will be missed here. His teaching style was a pleasure to watch and he touched everyone he taught.
Jan Chiarizia
February 15, 2006
John-eee Laabs you will be sorely missed by many! Though I haven't worked with you in many years, I fondly recall the years we DID work together. You were always willing to lend an encouraging ear and make me smile. I'll remember you always! Hope there are jet skis in heaven!!
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Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home - New London12 Ocean Avenue, New London, CT 06320
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