Salem: Armand J. ‘Babe’ Labrecque age 83 of Salem, died at his home, Wednesday, January 23, 2008 following a courageous 3 year battle with cancer. He was the husband of the late Lauretta D. (Vachon) Labrecque.
Born and raised in Salem, he was the son of the late Louis and Leda (Bilodeau) Labrecque. For many years he operated Babe’s Amoco Station on the corner of Congress and Palmer Streets in Salem. During the war years he served with the Coast Guard Reserves on coastal watch. With the closing of the service station in 1973, Babe began working for G. E. in the marine turbine engine division in Lynn. Over the years he received many awards for his outstanding work in machine repairs. He retired in 1985 following the death of his wife Lauretta, but by no means led an inactive life.
A deeply religious man, Babe was active in the former St. Joseph Parish and it’s prayer community. He also devoted many years of volunteering, and was recognized for his work for, My Brother’s Table, Rosie’s Place and the Shriner’s Children’s Burn Center as well as the NSMC Cancer Center. Babe also loved the sea and enjoyed fishing and lobstering as well as hunting with his sons & brothers and gardening at his home. Babe was a member of the Salem Council on Aging and the Salem AARP and was currently a member of Ste. Anne Parish.
He is survived by 2 daughters: Jacqueline Labrecque of Brookline, Louise A. Michaud and her husband Roland of Beverly, 3 sons: Paul R. Labrecque and his wife Linda of Lincoln, ME, Leo R. Labrecque and his wife Carol of Sarasota, FL, Henry A. Labrecque and his wife Margaret of Peabody, a brother, Lucien Labrecque and his wife Rita of Salem, 10 grandchildren Crissta & Brian Labrecque, Rebecca Wetson, Toby & John Michaud, Dorothy Torres, Justin, Brendan, Andrew & Laura Labrecque, 4 great-grandchildren and his devoted friend and companion Sally Jackson of Marblehead.
He was predeceased by his brothers: Clement, Philip, Albert, Paul, George, Roland, Maurice & Arthur and sisters: Lucille and Theresa Theriault.
Relatives and friends are invited to his funeral on Monday, January 28, 2008 at 8 am from the Levesque Funeral Home, 163 Lafayette St., [Rt. 114 / 1-A] Salem followed by his funeral mass in Ste. Anne Church, Jefferson Ave., Salem at 9 am. Visiting hours: Sunday 4 to 8 pm. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the North Shore Cancer Center, 17 Centennial Dr., Peabody, MA 01960 or Hospice of the North Shore, 10 Elm St., Danvers, MA 01923. For guest book and additional information please visit www.levesquefunerals.com