Ronald L. LaBonte, 80, died at the Lutheran Home on March 26, 2015 following a 10-year battle with Parkinson's Disease.
He was born on August 25, 1934 to Rosa and Rodolphe LaBonte in Woonsocket R.I., but lived most of his life in Worcester. A member of the U.S. Navy Reserve, he went on active duty upon graduating from Commerce H.S. in 1954. He served aboard the "USS McNair" destroyer which was involved with the Suez Canal Crisis. He married his high school sweetheart, Joan Lundberg in 1957, and he helped his father build their ranch house. Ron worked 18 years for Associated Co-operative Grocers, 18 years for Wright Line and part-time for Austin Liquors. He was a wonderful father to his three children. He and Joan loved taking their children on camping trips where everyone enjoyed meeting other campers, as well as the scenery and nature of each area.
Upon retirement, Ron and Joan felt blessed to enjoy many trips around the United States and many day trips sponsored by various senior centers. Ron was an avid pitch player attending many games each week. He also was a 60-yr member of his High School Class Reunion Committee and a member of Leicester Seniors Club. Time was enjoyed playing scrabble, reading, and babysitting his four grandchildren.
He leaves his wife Joan, his son Michael LaBonte and his wife Barbara of Gilford, Vt.; son Mark LaBonte and his wife Patricia of Charlton; and his daughter, Suzanne J. Hall, and husband Wayne of Worcester. He was known as Puppa Ron to his four grandchildren: Daniel Hall, Alex Hall, Amber LaBonte and Matthew LaBonte. He also leaves three three step-grandchildren, four great grandchildren; his beloved sister, Lorraine Champlin and her family of Hopkinton who were fellow campers; brothers-in-law Robert Lundberg, wife Rita of Charllton and Kenneth Lundberg, wife Margaret of Worcester and their families plus many cousins in the Woonsocket, R.I. area.
Ron's family extends their heartfelt thanks to everyone at Summit Elder Care and the Lutheran Home for the wonderful care they provided.
At Ron's request, there are no services. Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln Street is assisting the family. To leave a message in Ron's online guestbook, please click link below.