Shrewsbury – Robert W. LaBaire, 83 of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 16, 2020 at Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing in Northborough after contracting COVID-19.
Bob was born in Worcester, one of six children to the late Wilfred and Eileen (Keenan) LaBaire. He was a graduate of Worcester Boys Trade, Class of 1955. Bob served his country during the Vietnam War for the United States Air Force from 1956-1960 before he was discharged. He worked as a tool machine maker and later an engineer for Reed Rolled Thread Dye Company and Reed-Rico Company for 50 years retiring in 2001.
After retirement, Bob volunteered for the Fallon Clinic for 5 years and at the Christopher House for 20 years. He was a devoted member of St. Anne’s Church in Shrewsbury where he would serve coffee to the parishioners after Mass for eleven years. Bob loved vacationing with family. He would vacation for 2 weeks every summer at Old Orchard Beach, Maine for 18 years and later in the winters in Disney for 31 years. Bob was a generous man who helped many family and friends with anything and everything they ever needed. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Robert is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Sybil M. (Parker) LaBaire and their four children, Derrick LaBaire and his wife Holly of Shrewsbury, Darlene Dube and her husband Kyle of Shirley, MA, Brian LaBaire of Shrewsbury, and Barry LaBaire and his wife Karen of Uxbridge; nine grandchildren, Jessica Favreau and her husband Michael, Anthony LaBaire and his wife Cayla, David Phillips and his wife Kayla, Derek Phillips, Dianne Phillips, Laura Hoyt, Joshua Sherman, Adam Blair, Alex Blair, and Cassandra LaBaire; fourteen great grandchildren; two brothers, Richard LaBaire of Holden and William LaBaire and his wife Paula of South Carolina; two sisters, Winifred Parker and her husband Lawrence and Kathy Leary all of Millbury; several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by a grandson, Jason LaBaire who passed on May 5, 2019 and a brother, Dennis LaBaire.
A memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, June 19, at 10 a.m., in Saint Anne’s Church, 120 Boston Tpke. (Route 9 East), Shrewsbury. The family will receive guests at the church from 9:15 a.m. until the Mass begins at 10 a.m.
The family has entrusted Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel of Worcester
To share your thoughts and memories of Bob, please visit his personal guestbook at www.mercadantefuneral.com.
