Robert L. Labonte

Robert L. Labonte, 86, of Manchester died May 17, 2002 at Catholic Medical Center, surrounded by family and loved ones, after a sudden illness.

Born in Manchester on October 21, 1915, he was the son of Leonard and Alma (Demers) Labonte. He lived most of his life in Manchester and 20 year in Chester.

During World War II he served in the U.S. Navy as a member of the Seebee's. He was awarded the World War II Victory Medal and the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Medal.

Mr. Labonte worked as a cabinet maker for Hermsdorf Manufacturing Company in Manchester for many years. He continued working his craft many years after his retirement.

He was a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Local 1996 and the American Association of Retired Persons. In addition, he was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 1617 in Derry, the American Legion Sweeney Post #2 in Manchester and the Military Order of the Cootie of the United States.

He was married to Lucienne (Roy) Labonte who died in 1973.

The family includes his wife of 28 years, Winona A. (Gowen) Labonte of Manchester; 16 children, Agnes Small, Robert A. Labonte and Priscilla Lord both of Manchester, Christine Fraser of West Ossipee, Claudette Porter of Raymond, Kathryn Hartigan and Barbara Fraser both of Pembroke, Jon Fraser and Bonnie Rosati both of Manchester, George Fraser III of Hooksett, Dana Fraser of Pembroke, Kevin Fraser of Auburn, Noni Towle of Chester, Thomas Fraser of West Ossipee, Mary Fraser of Charleston, SC and Kelli Kelliher of Auburn; 34 grandchildren and many great grandchildren; two sisters, Lillian Caldwell of Waterboro, ME and Alma Taillon of Manchester; nieces and nephews.

A mass of Christian burial was celebrated Tuesday May 21, 2002 in St. John the Baptist Church of the Parish of the Transfiguration, corner of Kelley and Youville streets, Manchester. Burial was in Pine Grove Cemetery, 765 Brown Ave., Manchester.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Catherine Church Building Fund, 4 Dracut Rd., Hudson 03051, or to the VFW National Home for Children, ATTN: Children's Activity Fund, 3573 So. Waverly Rd., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827.