Robert Joseph LaBarre

Robert Joseph LaBarre, Sr., of Plainville, passed away on February 12, 2024, at the age of 91.

Born in New London, CT on July 31, 1932, he was the son of the late Robert and Marlena (Symolon) LaBarre. In his earlier years, Bob served his country honorably as a member of the 23rd Division of the United States Army's 169th Infantry and was stationed in Germany during the US occupation following the Second World War. Instilled with a keen eye and an attention to detail, Robert took his lessons from the military into the manufacturing world. He received his certification in HVAC and devoted 35 years of his career to the Fafnir Bearing Company of New Britain, where he inspected ball bearings. At home, Robert could take apart and fix almost anything, he enjoyed carpentry, photography and maintaining his garden. Throughout his life, his thirst for knowledge never waned, even in his later years. Following his retirement from Fafnir's, he stayed active at the Plainville Senior Center and was working there right up until his passing.

Robert is survived by his children, Robert "Sonny" LaBarre, Jr. of Enfield, Doreen Balimidi and her husband Hari of Wethersfield, Toni Nowak of Cromwell, Kelley Vieira and her husband Albert of East Hampton and Lisa LaBarre and her fiancé Ricky Colasanti of Berlin; eleven grandchildren, Sam Finocchiaro (Todd McGehan), James Nowak, Jr., Caitie Hursty (Jim), Jessica Nowak, Jason LaBarre (Cassandra), Rick Finocchiaro, Melissa Nowak (Donnie Travaglin), Michael LaBarre, Robert LaBarre, Chris Piaskowski and Benjamin Piaskowski, several great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves a beloved sister, Betty Rogers of Southington; brothers, Paul LaBarre of Plainville, Leo LaBarre and his wife Yvonne of Venice, Florida, James LaBarre and his wife Carol of Enfield and Dennis LaBarre and his wife Diane of Southington as well the mother of his children, Helen LaBarre of New Britain. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by a son, Jeffrey LaBarre and three brothers, Richard, Matthew and Thomas LaBarre.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 12 to 2 p.m. on Monday, February 19th at Bailey Funeral Home, 48 Broad St., Plainville. A Service of Remembrance will take place at 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Military Honors will follow outside of the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Robert's name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or at stjude.org/donate
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