James Labovites, 90, of Worcester, formerly of Holden died May 10th in Knollwood Nursing Home with his family by his side. His wife of 58 years, Katherine V. Pallas died in 2013. He leaves his son, Matthew J. Labovites and his wife, Karen of Holden; and his daughter, Joanne Isperduli of Worcester; his niece, Penelope Wolosz of Toronto and his nephew, Theodore Soter of Worcester; his brother-in-law, Chris Pallas and his partner, Fred Goepfert of Rancho Mirage, CA and his sister-in-law Helen Viola of Yarmouthport. He was predeceased by his brother, Tom Labbs, and two sisters, Helen Labovites and Esther Beqo.
He was born in Worcester, the son of Vlasis and Cleopatra (Panou) Labovites. Mr. Labovites had been a co-owner of the former local institution The Highlander Restaurant on Highland Street with his brother-in-law for many years. He later owned and operated several area restaurants and taverns. He proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II. Jim enjoyed travel with his wife. Mr. Labovites had lived in Holden for 25 years, retired to Cape Cod and spent 18 years in Dennisport before returning to Worcester in 2006. He was a long time member of St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral and the Order of AHEPA.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the staff at Briarwood and Knollwood Nursing Home for the dedicated care and support provided to our father over the past two years.
His funeral is Wednesday, May 13th from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue with a service at 10:00 a.m. in St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell Street. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park. A visitation will be held from 8:30 until 9:30 a.m. in the funeral home the morning of the funeral. Please omit flowers and make memorial contributions to the Worcester County Food Bank, 474 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.