Leonel A. Labbe

Biddeford

Leonel A. Labbe, 81, of Biddeford passed away unexpectedly Wednesday afternoon on October 23, 2024, at home.

He was born in Lyman on March 9, 1943, a son of Emile and Simonne (Deslauriers) Labbe. He married the love of his life, Rita Hevey on May 5, 1966, at St. Joseph's Church in Biddeford.

Leonel was a hardworking man who excelled at working with his hands, building his family home, that the family still resides at.

Early in his career, he worked at Saco Tannery and after furthering his education, was hired at Pratt & Whitney working in blades and vanes and becoming a specialist in quality control, where he worked for 26 years, retiring in 2005.

Leonel was generous with his free time and spent his evenings and weekends helping family members with projects and helping his son Michael build his family home and garage.

Leonel was also an avid gardener who built himself a greenhouse and created a vegetable and flower gardens that were enjoyed by his family all summer long. One of the most memorable annual traditions was the planting and harvest of Sarah's pumpkin patch and the bond he held with his granddaughter.

While he always loved to be outside, he also had a wild sense of humor that came with a laugh that will never be forgotten. His storytelling was all his own and made for cherished family memories. He will be sadly missed.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Rita Labbe, Sons Michael and Marc Labbe, Daughter in Law Deena, and Granddaughter Sarah. He is also survived by siblings Muriel Pelletier and husband Henry, Lucille Compagna and husband Roger, Claudette Lachance and husband Rene, Joan Savoy and husband Larry, as well as Roger Labbe and Richard Labbe. He was predeceased by one sister, Rita Whitten.

A gathering for family and friends is scheduled for 11AM-1PM, Funeral Service at 1:00PM Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at Cote Funeral Home Chapel, 87 James Street, Saco. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Biddeford. To view Leonel's memorial page, watch his life memorial video or leave an online condolence, please visit www.cotefuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Cancer Foundation. https://donate.cancer.org/