CHICOPEE ~ Rudolph A. “Rudy” LeBel, 87, of Palm Bay, Florida and a former longtime resident of the Aldenville section of Chicopee was Called Safely Home on Wednesday, August 8, 2018. He passed into Eternal Life at the Palm Bay Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Holyoke on January 15, 1931, a beloved son of the late Rudolph J. and Angeline (Viens) LeBel. He was raised in Chicopee, graduated from the former Cathedral High School and lived in Chicopee until moving to Florida in early 2000. Rudy furthered his education and attended Assumption College in Worcester. He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War and attained the rank of Corporal. Rudy’s family owned LeBel Insurance Agency in Aldenville which he later owned and operated. He also served as a Court Officer and Jury Commissioner at the Hampden County Hall of Justice in Springfield. He was a member of the Chicopee Lodge of Elks 1849, Aldenville American Legion Post 337, Knights of Columbus, Aldenville Credit Union and a founding member and member of the Board of Directors of the (AJAC) Aldenville Junior Athletic Club. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Claire T. (George) LeBel who was Called Home on September 15, 1997. He leaves his three loving children, Cheryl A. Gabrielson and her husband, Warren, of Northborough, MA, Sandra M. Martin and her husband, Raymond, of Gales Ferry, CT, and Stephen R. LeBel and his wife, Judith, of South Hadley; his six cherished grandchildren, Brett Gallagher and his wife, Amy, Raymond Martin and his wife, Amy, Matthew Martin and his partner, Lisa, Brian Martin and his wife, Amy, Angela LeBel and Andrew LeBel; his seven cherished great-grandchildren, Ella and Chloe Gallagher, Raymond and Connor Martin, and Claire, Troy and Lila Martin; his dear brother-in-law, Robert George and his wife, Candace, of Chicopee; and his dear sister-in-law, Sister Helene George of Arlington, MA. In addition, Rudy leaves his dear wife, Jacqueline Jolivet LeBel and her children, Nicole Hinchman and Noel Jolivet and his many dear nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family members and numerous friends. His relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Friday, August 24, 2018 from 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with a Celebration of Life Service at 1:00 p.m. at the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Aldenville Chapels, (413-532-9806), 13 Dale Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. His burial with United States Army Military Honors will follow at Sainte Rose Cemetery, 49 Olsen Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. The parking lot and main entrance are located in the rear of the funeral home at 20 Lafayette Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. For more details, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com
