16 July, 2014
Warren Noel LaBonte, 94, formerly of Springfield, MA died Wednesday July 9th, 2014 at Wingate at Springfield. Warren was a son of Albert and Wilhelmina (Saxe) LaBonte, and was born on June 12, 1920 in Longmeadow MA. He was a decorated World War II Veteran, serving in the Navy on the USS Raymond (DE-341). Warren fought to assist the American naval victory in the Battle off Samar Island in October 25, 1944 in the Philippine Sea. His military honors include the Presidential Unit Citation, American Theatre Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon and the WWII Victory Medal. Upon returning from service, he became a lifelong Restaurateur and the Proprietor of the Tally Ho Lounge and the Welcome Inn Caf in Springfield, Massachusetts. Warrens accomplishments also included being acknowledged as a Hampden County Deputy Sherriff. He resided in Springfield MA for much of his life and retired to North Carolina. Thanks to the kindness of Carol and Paul Nathan, he also resided at their home in Hopkinton, MA for years prior to moving to Wingate Healthcare in Springfield, MA. His wife Elizabeth LaBonte and his brother Richard LaBonte, and sisters Gladys Dedonis and Helen Rifflemacher predeceased Warren. He is survived by his son Mark LaBonte, daughter Kathleen Salamack, her husband Neil Salamack and two grandchildren, Allison and Nicolas Salamack, brother Walter LaBonte, sister Barbara Thomes and many nieces and nephews. Family and friends are asked to meet on Friday, July 18th 2014, at St. Michaels Church 128 Maple St., East Longmeadow to celebrate the Liturgy of Christian Burial for Warren at 11am. Rites of Committal and Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 421 Tinkham Road, Springfield MA. There are no calling hours. Sampson Family Chapels are entrusted with the arrangements. Memorial contributions in Warrens memory may be made to Beacon Hospice, 529 Main Street, Suite 101 Charlton, MA 02129. - See more at: http://obits.masslive.com/obituaries/masslive/obituary.aspx?n=warren-n-l...
