SOUTH PORTLAND- John J Labrie, Sr – South Portland Maine – 87, passed away peacefully at home on November 15, 2023, with his loving wife of 59 years by his side. He was born in Upper Frenchville Maine on March 21, 1936. He was one of 15 children to Magloire Labrie and Edith (Madore) Labrie.
John and Patricia Ann (Grady) Labrie married in 1964. They had four children (Rose-Marie Small, John J Labrie Jr, Mary Jo Maingot and Julie Ann Pallozzi). He was blessed with four grandchildren (Allison, Tori, Nate and Joey) and doubly blessed with two great granddaughters (Maeve and Lottie). John also had his ever-faithful dog, Bella, who stayed by his side always.
John was a bright light in this world. His smile warmed your heart, and his generosity gave us hope. He was foremost a family man who led by example showing respect, strong work ethic, kindness, and faith. He made sure his children knew they had a support system, and his arms were always open to them. He was very talented and was able to build and create whatever was on Mom’s wish list.
He was a romantic up until the very end always showing love with thoughtful gifts or love letters to his wife. He once wrote on a paper bag professing that he worries that if he loved her anymore, he wouldn’t have room in his heart for others.
He was a prankster mostly with his family and close group of relatives, which he made sure we visited and created memories to last a lifetime. John was not afraid to be silly and his laughs would make you smile.
John had a strong Catholic faith and regularly attended church at St. John’s and Holy Cross. He was previously a member of the Knights of Columbus and a Eucharistic minister. Even in the end when he could no longer attend mass or hear the television, he held his mother’s rosary on his final days.
John wore many hats during his lifetime, managing a Dunkin Donuts where he met his wife, Patricia Grady. He was self-employed for decades with businesses such as Mr. Robot Car Wash and Yarmouth Rental. In his later years, he worked and retired from Saunders Mill in Westbook.
John volunteered for the South Portland food cupboard while in retirement and loved spending time there and talking with the patrons. He also loved playing cribbage with the boys.
Some of his favorite pastimes were spending time with family, playing card games, reading, making puzzles, going out to eat, and indulging his sweet tooth with desserts. He loved taking road trips and just being in the car for a ride or try his luck at the Casino occasionally.
The family is having a private ceremony to celebrate the life of John. In lieu of flowers, donations are graciously accepted by the South Portland Food Cupboard. http://southportlandfoodcupboard.org/donate/
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com
- Celebrating the Lives of Veterans -