Peter M. LaBelle

Peter M. LaBelle, 64, a lifetime resident of Manchester, passed away on September 1, 2025, at Manchester Memorial Hospital. The son of John and Claire (Stephens) LaBelle, Peter was born on June 15, 1961, at St. Francis Hospital, the youngest of five children. He attended St. James School, East Catholic High School, and Colgate University. After graduating from Colgate in 1984, Peter lived and worked in Alaska for a time before returning to Manchester. He made a home for himself in town, most times with a few cats also in residence. Peter also was the proud and longtime owner of a horse, Snoop, which he boarded at stables in Glastonbury and Ellington. Peter had many close friends. He loved to entertain, particularly during the summer when he and his friends would spend many days relaxing around his backyard pool. He enjoyed tailgating at UConn football games and attending the hockey Frozen Four with friends and family. Peter also loved to get away to his cottage on Upper Saranac Lake in the Adirondacks. He was a great storyteller. The source of those stories was often his own shenanigans. Peter started his working career with Local 230 of the Laborers International Union of North America followed by a successful career with the Metropolitan District Commission where he also served as a union steward. He was a member of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Union Local 184 and Local 3713. After some twenty-seven years, Peter retired from the MDC in 2023 as a widely respected inspector and the go-to guy for his encyclopedic knowledge of the MDC system. Peter was a member of the Elks, a former member of the Manchester Democratic Town Committee and served for many years as a member of the Town of Manchester Building Committee. Peter is survived by three of his siblings: Mary LaBelle Suter of Stonington; Thomas H. LaBelle (Laura), of South Windsor; and Dan E. LaBelle (Jobie), of New York City. He was predeceased by his brother John D. LaBelle, Jr. (Marcie), who passed shortly before him. Peter maintained close relationships with and was much loved by his many nieces and nephews -- John and Alec LaBelle; Alicia and Dan Suter; Sarah, Tim and Maggie LaBelle; and Jaime and Jake LaBelle. The LaBelle Family especially thanks the Manchester Memorial Hospital ICU and 2 East medical staff for their professionalism and sensitivity in caring for Peter. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on November 8 at 11 a.m. at St. James Church in Manchester, followed by burial in St. James Cemetery and a gathering of friends and family to celebrate Peter's life. In lieu of flowers or other gifts, please remember Peter by donating a pint of blood to the American Red Cross or with a donation to the charity of your choice.