He was born March 11, 1934 in Biddeford, son of Conrad and Marie-Ange (Larochelle) Labonte and was educated locally, graduating from St. Louis High School in the Class of 1952 where he played football and basketball.
On May 30, 1955 he married Anita Marie Ouellette at Notre Dame de Lourdes Church in Saco.
In his earlier years, Paul participated in the family-owned business, the Elm Laundry & Dry Cleaning. “Those were the days” as he fondly recalled them in countless stories. In 1970, Paul and Anita ventured into the hospitality business and purchased the Sleepy Hollow Motel in Biddeford which they operated for the next 30 years. Additionally, Paul had worked for the Biddeford School Department for 25 years including a 15 year tenure as the bus dispatcher and later serving on the Biddeford School Board.
He was a golf enthusiast and enjoyed wintering at his Indian Harbor Beach, Florida condo where he spent time with a wonderful group of friends. He was a loyal Red Sox and Patriots fan and enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play multiple sports.
Preceding him in death were his parents and his brother, Donald Labonte.
Surviving is his wife of 61 years, Anita Labonte of Biddeford, three sons: Michael Labonte of Old Orchard Beach, David Labonte of Biddeford, Daniel Labonte and his wife Jane, of Bensalem, Pennsylvania and one daughter, Karen Stebbins and her husband Timothy, of Biddeford; eight grandchildren, Roxy Labonte, Garrett Labonte, Lauren Labonte, Jake Labonte, Brady Stebbins, Noah Stebbins, Samuel Labonte and Brennen Labonte, five great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his brother, Roland Labonte, and his wife, Marilyn, of Jupiter, Florida. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Visiting hours are from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 13, 2017 at Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm St., Biddeford, ME 04005. A funeral service will immediately follow in the Hope Chapel. Interment will be in Laurel Hill Cemetery, Saco.
To share condolences online, please visit www.HopeMemorial.com.
Donations in Mr. Labonte’s memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association at PO Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22132 or to the Biddeford Food Pantry at 162 Elm St, Biddeford, ME 04005.
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