WORCESTER-Pericles "Spud" Labovites, 95, of Worcester, one of Worcester's finest athletes, died Wednesday, June 21st, in UMass-Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. His wife of 52 years, Olive (Kote) Labovites, died in 2004. He leaves two sons, Mark J. Labovites of Worcester and George P. Labovites of Boston; a grandson, Nicholas M. Labovites of Worcester; cousins, nieces and a nephew.
When asked about his nickname, he said, "because I like potatoes"…and that was the essence of this great man. Born in Argyrocastro, Albania in 1911, Spud was the son of Dr. and Mrs. Telemechus Labovites and immigrated to the United States in 1917 with his adoptive parents, Harry and Vasiliki "Bessie" Labovites. He graduated from North High School, Worcester Academy and the College of the Holy Cross. Originally slated for the priesthood, Mr. Labovites attended the Greek Orthodox Theological School in Pomfret, CT, and was a student and good friend of the late Archbishop Iakovos.
From 1947 through 1951, he was the Physical Education Director at the Jamestown, New York Boys Club. Mr. Labovites was honored on March 23, 1977 by the United States Senate for his "unselfish dedication to our youth." Spud was most happy when involved with sports and had directed the Worcester Central Y Junior Church Basketball League to involve 42 different churches to participate in the sport. He was also the assistant athletic director at the Ionic Avenue Boys Club and was instrumental with the Greek Fraternal organization The Sons of Pericles, playing basketball throughout New England. Spud was the Athletic Director at Worcester Junior College, coaching baseball, basketball, softball and tennis. He then coached many sports at the YMCA for over 25 years, offering great encouragement to every individual he coached. In 1932, he was asked to run with the Greek Olympic team prior to the Olympics in Los Angeles, CA, and was one of the first Greek-Americans to complete the Boston Marathon in 1933. He also was a track star at North High School and played on the College of the Holy Cross Basketball team.
Mr. Labovites served as a 2nd Lieutenant in World War II, serving in Belgium, Germany, and France, and later became a member of the Vernon Hill American Legion Post 435. Spud has been honored many times for his contributions to the Greek community and has also received many civic awards, but was most humbled when presented with the Greek Orthodox Diocesan Award in June of 2000, for his unwavering contributions and support to St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Mr. Labovites has been a member of St. Spyridon since 1958, and has been a board member and a cantor for the past 25 years. He was also a member of the Pan-Epirotic Society and the St. George Society of Douvianini. Clearly, Spud was a man who brought much joy to every person he met and will be remembered as a man who always had a kind word and an encouraging smile.
The funeral is Saturday, June 24th, from O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, with a service at 11:00 AM in St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell Street. Burial will be in Hope Cemetery. Calling hours are Friday, June 23rd, from 4:00 until 8:00 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell Street, Worcester, MA 01609.