George C. Labonte

1980 - 2024

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Wrentham Deputy Police Chief, George C. Labonte. George passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on August 12, 2024, after a long, very courageous battle with cancer.

George was born on July 1, 1980, in Attleboro, MA, son of George A. and Rev. Deborah L. Labonte of Wrentham. George was raised and educated in Wrentham and attended King Philip High School, graduating class of 1998. Growing up George was active in sports and found a passion for soccer. He earned his Eagle Scout award with Troop 131 and took pride in serving his town from a young age. After high school, George graduated from Massasoit Community College earning an Associate's Degree where he then transferred to Salem State University where he studied Criminal Justice and earned his Bachelor's. Continuing his pursuit of knowledge, George furthered his education and earned his Master's Degree in Public Administration from Roger Williams University. George started as a summer bicycle Police Officer for the Wellfleet Police Department, which would inevitably lead to his career in Public Service. George was then hired as a dispatcher for the Norfolk Police Department before finding his place with the Wrentham Police Department in 2003. With his dedication and tenacity for growth, he moved up the ranks from Patrol to Sergeant in 2010, Lieutenant in 2012, and Deputy Chief in 2018. George dreamed of one day becoming the Police Chief of Wrentham. In 2022, George graduated from the FBI National Academy Session 282. While attending the FBI Academy, being the avid runner he had become, George ran 282 miles completing the last mile with many of his NA 282 members. George served the community for over 20 years with his dedication to his hometown of Wrentham.

Along with serving the community throughout his career, he touched many lives along the way. George refused to let his cancer diagnosis dominate his life. Instead, he found a way to give back. He participated in many races and marathons, including the 2020 and 2021 Boston Marathons and 2022 Chicago Marathon, raising money for Pediatric Oncology through Run4MGH. He was a member of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) an organization that brings together scholars and administrators to better the policies and practices behind Public Administration. After being diagnosed, George joined Thyroid Cancer Survivors Association (THYCA) and later became a member of the THYCA board. He was also active in coaching his children in soccer and was a member of the Wrentham Youth Soccer Board. George was a selfless individual and gave his time, love, and encouragement to all he encountered.

One of his greatest joys in life was his family. George cherished spending time with his wife and 4 children, especially when sharing his passion for soccer with them. He loved watching them excel in his favorite sport and taking them to Revolution games where they were season members. George found great joy and fulfillment in teaching his children about gardening, caring for his Honey Bees, cooking, the importance of exercise and eating healthy and respect and kindness for others. Through these teachings, George instilled the value of hard work, patience, and perseverance in his children.

George is survived by his loving wife Katie (Thompson) and their four children Sadie, Benji, Jacqueline, and Julian; his parents George and Rev. Deborah Labonte of Wrentham, his sisters Christina and her husband Dennis Manuilow of Woodstock, CT and Rebecca and her husband Aaron Trahan of Dudley, MA; his in-laws Andrew and Barbara Thompson of Beloit, WI, brother-in-law Alex Thompson and his wife Erika of Beloit, WI, his two sisters-in-laws, Emily Thompson of Beloit, WI and Elizabeth and her husband Alex Osigian of Miami, FL; his nieces and nephews: Collin Manuilow, Alexa and AJ Trahan, Evan and Lana Thompson, and Luna Osigian, as well as, his cousin Kerri Mahoney of Mansfield, MA, who was like a sister to him and her husband Dave, and many additional family members that he cared for, his Public Safety family, and many friends.

George was predeceased by his grandparents Zelma and Howard Issler, grandparents Agnes and Allen Grantham, and grandfather Alfred Labonte.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend visiting hours on Monday, August 19, 2024 from 3-7PM in the R.J. Ross Funeral Home, 135 South Street Wrentham, MA. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at 10:30am at Lake Pearl, 299 Creek Street Wrentham, MA. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in George's memory may be made to the places that were closest to his heart and have done so much for our family, Thyroid Cancer Survivors Association (https://civi.thyca.org/donate/) and Run4MGH (https://giving.massgeneral.org/donate).

For additional information or to convey your condolences to the family, please visit the online guest book at www.rjrossfuneralhomeinc.com.