Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Darren LaBonte Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Darren LaBonte
Charlie Gili
February 27, 2019
Hello,
We apologize for being so late in expressing our deepest condolences to you and your family. We want you to know that we will be sending Care Packages to deployed troops this week and several of these will be dedicated to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo, service branch, rank and hometown of Darren J. LaBonte.
We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community, their families, friends and others who support our mission.
We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you safe and strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of our US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign
President, Anthony Langone
February 7, 2010
On behalf of the Italian American Police Association of Illinois we would like to offer our sincerest condolences to the LaBonte family. Darren, thank you so much for your service to our county!
John LaBonte
January 30, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
John J LaBonte
January 30, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
January 28, 2010
I am proud to have known Darren, he was a true hero in every sense of the word. He spoke of Rachael often and boy did he love his little girl. I know that one day, she will learn about what an incredible person her dad was.
Sharon Mueller
January 26, 2010
Dave, I was deeply saddened to hear of Darren's passing. My heart goes out to you, Camille and your entire family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time and always. Darren gave the ultimate sacrifice for all of us. In reading the other entries, I wish I had had a chance to know Darren. He sounds like a wonderful person and "Thank You" sounds so insignificant for such an American Hero. God Bless You!
Craig Brown
January 23, 2010
Words can not express how I felt when I learned of the news. Immediate thoughts went back to when we were kids, playing baseball, playing football, without a care in the world. Darren, you were an amazing friend and you gave the ultimate sacrifice. Our thoughts go our to your and yours.
Craig
Janet
January 23, 2010
My deepest sympathy to the Labonte family. Darren gave the ultimate sacrafice for his country. To say I'm sorry is just so small but I know there are no words that will comfort you at this time. We lost my nephew Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Jason D. Lewis two years ago, KIA July 07. and it seems like it was yesterday. The ache never goes away but you can draw strength in knowing these brave men received their wings doing what they believed in and wouldn't have had it any other way. Look for "God Winks" from Darren, he shows you every day that he is right by your side. When you think he is showing you something, he is. Be it a butterfly in a place it should not be to walking down the street deeply sad and finding a braclet that says "courage" Standing at the cemetary talking to Jason on a rainy gloomy day and all of a sudden the sun peeks through and a beam of the suns light shows down on you. I could tell you sooo many times Jason says "I'm right here", Darren is right here too just in a different way. I will keep your family in my prayers. Darren, Semper Fi, forever faithful!
Anthony Balash
January 22, 2010
from the entire Balash family Brookfield, CT. we are so sorry for your loss. A great friend, person and spirit. He will be missed.
January 22, 2010
Dave and Camille, and Family, and Darren's family; first my deepest sympathies’ are with you at this time of great hard ship and loss. I feel for you at this time, and can only hope whatever little words I can say will curtail your anguish in some way.
Darren, Brother, Fellow Ranger, and Warrior: Although we never served together, at some point in your life you answered the same call I did almost 15 years ago. As a fellow enlisted soldier, we have shared the same dirt, from Georgia, to North Carolina, to Iraq, and Afghanistan. Although we served for different reasons, you always leave with the same that is for my Brother's on my right and left. I leave you with this:
"Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission though I be the lone survivor.”
You are on to that last objective, please secure it for the rest of us, and God Bless! Rangers Lead The Way!
SFC Ryan Quintard
Vanessa Quintard
Connor Quintard
Savannah, Georgia
Thomas Conway
January 20, 2010
Darren was not only a good soldier, but the rare leader who sets the example with the proper attitude, dedication, and even humor. We wish to thank Darren and his family for his service to this country over the many years. It is Darren's spirit that I will remember most; it was infectious, and that is a rare talent to have. You will be missed, buddy. May God watch over your family.
Thomas Conway and Family, 04-22
January 20, 2010
Our deepest sympathies to the family of a great American who gave the ultimate for his country.
Lt Col Mike Charecky and Family
Michael Rell
January 19, 2010
To the entire LaBonte family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Darren was a classmate of mine (BHS'92) and I have fond memories of Darren in our years together in Brookfield. You all should be very proud of Darren. A great son, father, husband, brother and patriot. Godspeed.
DEBORAH STANCO
January 17, 2010
Darren was my cousin, truly a beautiful little boy who obviousely grew to be a amazin man who lved his country and had a passion for our freedom. Darren will never be forgotten, and has inspired others by his dedication and work to due his part to keep us save. , my son is one of them. He is a military cop in the a, f. with the utmost respect for Darren...you will not die in vain we will finish the jo, its time for you to rest. Your job is done!!!!God keep you safe in the arms of love WE MISS YOU...RIP.LOVE DEBBY
Jeffrey Doyle
January 17, 2010
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you. The LaBonte family is in all of our thoughts and prayers.
Tad Sterling
January 17, 2010
Though I only knew Darren for a short time many years ago, his kindness, strength and determination are things that made an impression on me. His memory will live on in everything I do, and everyone I meet.
Kristie Peek
January 17, 2010
To the Labonte Family,
I send my condolences and remember Darren in high school he was very outgoing and he will never be forgotten. Keep him alive in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you Darren for serving our counrty you were the best and always will be.
Heather Schang Sadler
January 16, 2010
I am so sorry to hear this devastating news & send my deepest condolences to the entire Labonte family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
You Are In My Prayers
January 16, 2010
Thank you Lord for sharing Darren with us. He is home now Lord ask him to hug my Mom for me. Be proud LaBonte family he truly is a hero.
January 16, 2010
Dave and Camille, and family...we can't begin to tell you how sorry we are for your loss. Dave I know how proud you were of your son. Please know you are in our prayers. Stay strong, God Bless. George and Debbie Hepburn
Pam Schneider
January 16, 2010
Dave and Camille: Just heard this morning about Darren's death. Words cannot express the sadness I feel for your loss. I know how proud you have always been of him, his accomplishments and his service to our country. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
January 15, 2010
Darren,
Even though you may not hear us, you still will hear the words we give to you. You taught all who were fortunate enough to know you what a patriot and a brave soldier is. You will always set the example and lead the way for others to follow.
Cory
January 15, 2010
I appreciate all that you have done for our country. My deepest sympathy to the family and friends for your loss.
Lori Martin,
Soldiers' Angels
Phyllis Anne Smith
January 15, 2010
Dave, Camille and Labonte Family, I am so sorry for your loss. I have no words to offer to ease the pain, only the offer of my help if you should need anything. I am sorry that I never actually got to meet Darren. I know from the stories Dave shared with us that he was an exceptional man. And if he was anything like his Dad he was bigger than life and the spot he has left empty will be overwhelming for a long time. I am so thankful for Darren and the man he was for his pride in our country, his dedication to family and for his acts of courage. And while Thank you seems like small words in comparison to what he gave up to protect us all, but know his sacrifice does not go unnoticed. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Phyllis Anne Smith (PAS)
Mike Grove
January 14, 2010
Darren you are; a true friend, a solid warrior, a great man.
All lucky enough to know you will miss you.
Rangers Lead The Way
Melissa Thomas
January 14, 2010
I did not know Darren as well as some, mostly I remember Darren in High School through his brother Dave and the endless girl - talk amongst the girls who had crushes on him, even though he was younger than us! But what I did know of him was the he was so sweet and kind, and what a great smile he had! To Darren's family I am so sorry for loss you are in my prayers. Melissa Thomas
David
January 14, 2010
Darren was a true patriot and warrior scholar. His desire for self improvement and love of country led him to live a life most would not dare, nor could manage to live. Darren was there for me countless times over the years, when I lost my father, when I needed guidance or when I momentarily lost faith in our life of service. At each major juncture in my adult life Darren has been there as a friend, mentor and inspiration to me and countless others. It is a rare thing in deed to know someone that truly makes everyone else around him want to be a better person. Darren had that kind of inspiration.
While life is full of acquaintances and even familiar friends, men of honor and dependability like Darren are the rarest and truest of friends. Like many I am devastated by his loss. The world is truly a duller place without a character like Darren in it. In searching for some meaning and solace in his loss I am only consoled by the certainty that Darren died amongst brothers, serving a country and life of freedom he loved beyond compare. For men of virtue like Darren a death in battle is an honorable thing, perhaps the most honorable of things.
It can accurately be said that Darren lived more in his 35 years than most can squeeze into a lifetime and behind him there remains a thin blue line of those who would also give the ultimate sacrifice in order to protect those we love. Darren you are gone but will forever remain an inspiration to a generation of those who serve. Keep the hot tub and beer on tap in Valhalla, we will join you soon enough my friend.
Rangers lead the Way
Ray, Cheryl, RJ, & Carissa Zukowski
January 14, 2010
Words cannot describe our heartache and sorrow that pours out to your family and those that served at your side. You may be gone but you will never, never perish from our hearts. You have simply began another part of your journey, but why so early we will never know. God chooses and continues to work in ways we cannot yet comprehend. However I'm confident that you will be reunited with your loved ones when the moment is right through Jesus Christ our Savior; the shepard of everyone's journey.
Love and Peace
Tyler Keur
January 12, 2010
I knew Darren from high school and playing baseball with him. He was always a good friend and someone you could always count on for honesty. Recently I contacted him online and I was happy to know he hadn't changed.
He will be missed. All my prayers go to his family during this hard time.
Glenn Brown
January 12, 2010
I was a few years older than Darren, being in the same grade in High School as David, so I only knew him vaguely. As a former cop and soldier, myself I mourn Darren's loss as the loss of a brother-in-arms and a comrade. It is obvious from Dave's pictures of Darren, that he was a loving son, husband, father, and a true warrior for this country. He will be missed. God Bless Brother.
Elisa Romaniello
January 12, 2010
My memories of Darren are always of us playing football at recess in elementary and middle schools. Even though I was usually the only girl playing, Darren never flinched when throwing that football to me because he knew I would catch it!
Darren was always kind and gracious; never had anything negative to say and always saw the best in everyone.
Thank you for sacrificing your life for our country. Everyone who knew you was blessed.
My thoughts and prayers continue to go out to his family. He will be missed!
Leanne Furlong(Dion)
January 12, 2010
The world lost a son, brother, husband, father and Uncle but Heaven gained a mighty angel who will be watching over you all, always. Always keep Darren alive in your thoughts and in your hearts and he will never truely be gone. My deepest, heartfelt condolences to the entire family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Darren, Thank you for your service to this country, you are a true hero.
Victor
January 11, 2010
To Darren and his family,
I only knew Darren for a short time while we were in Quantico together. But in that time, he made a lasting impression on me. He was bigger than life, a hulk and an intellectual. He had that warrior spirit, a scholar's mind, and he was a role model for me.
I remember sparring with him. He could have knocked me out with a stern look, but spared me. I was one of the lucky ones.
I remember talking about life and our dreams over a cold beer...or three. It was obvious that Darren loved life, and lived it to its fullest. There was nothing Darren could not do.
Darren truly is a hero. In fact he is as close to a superhero as I had ever met.
He will be missed, and he will be thought of often.
God bless.
Alison Thorn
January 11, 2010
To Darren's wife and child,
Although we never met, I know from knowing Darren from a young age that you are loving and kind. The LaBonte family was close with my family from when I was very young (Darren & Dave were close with my older brother, Steve). Darren and Dave were my sensei masters for karate for several years, and so much of how I am as a strong woman came from the training...the "never give up" and "girls are just as good at things (and sometimes better!) approach."
I know you already know what a great man he was, and I just wanted you to know he was that to many. Your sacrifice of him is not overlooked.
Take care,
~Alison Thorn
Ed & Pat Bossio
January 11, 2010
Our family fondly remembers the LaBonte's from Brookfield High School days. Our condolenses to all of you. Someday Raina will look back and proudly speak of her father who served his country and was a real American hero. Blessings to all of you.
Mike Johnson
January 11, 2010
The LaBonte Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. We are extermely thankful for his service to our country. I was fortunate to work with Darren for 2 years as a police officer and know how much he loved his family and country. He will not be forgotten.
God Bless
murad sweiss
January 11, 2010
Our deepest condolences to his family, Rachael and Raina. Darren you are a hero, you make America proud. We will never forget that it's Hero's like you Darren Labonte who keeps the world a safer place to live. Oh Man I am gonna miss your smile and big hugs.
In heaven you shall rest
Murad & Melissa Sweiss
Michael Mangiaracina
January 11, 2010
LaBonte Family,
I am praying & will continue to pray for Darren & your family. Darren is a true Patriot and this World will truly miss him. He lives on in the hearts of every American & we will never forget that it's Hero's like Darren that make this Country The Greatest In The World.
Darren - Thank you for your service and your sacrifice - You & your Family will always be in my prayers.
May God Bless Darren & His Family.
Jeffrey Stolzenburg
January 11, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We had the brief honor of knowing Darren as he served with the Libertyville Police Department. He is and will be missed.
A grateful American
January 11, 2010
God Bless you and your family. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for mine and my families freedom. You are a true hero and you will not be forgotten.
January 10, 2010
I did not know you...I just wanted to say Thank You...You're a Hero to us all...My condolences to the family.
Brian Migdol
January 10, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with the Labonte family during this time. I always admired Darren's commitment in everything he did and know he did the same protecting our country. I'll always remember the fun times we had in high school percussion and the classes we took.
With Sympathy,
Brian Migdol
miri glasser
January 10, 2010
Darren, you sacrificed your life for the security of our country and your efforts will always be regarded as heroic and patriotic. You will not be forgotten. Rest in Peace dear soldier.
shelle michaels
January 10, 2010
Thank you Darren for your role in our country's safety. I will continue to stay in touch with your mother... our beloved volunteer. Shelle Michaels, Soldiers' Angels [email protected]
January 10, 2010
i dont know you but i want to say thank you .to the family sorry for your lose.
Showing 1 - 46 of 46 results
Make a Donation
in Darren LaBonte's name
Memorial Events
for Darren LaBonte
How to support Darren's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Darren LaBonte's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
