Obituary of Arthur J. LaBelle, Jr.

Slingerlands - Arthur J. LaBelle, “Art”, 91, died November 14, 2023 peacefully at home.  Born in Albany, Arthur was the son of the late Arthur and Emelda LaBelle.  He was a veteran of the United States Navy, enlisting in the Naval Reserve at 17.  He served for eight years, including 2 years of active duty during the Korean War.  Upon returning home, Art began working at Niagara Mohawk, now National Grid, as a meter reader, and held various positions over a 39 year career, retiring at 61 as a Traveling Operator.  He was also a member of the Glenmont Volunteer Fire Department in his younger years.  He was married for 71 years to Joan LaBelle (Curtis), his childhood sweetheart, and together they raised five children.  A loving husband and father, Art was always supportive of his children’s and grandchildren’s activities, and coached many of their youth athletic teams.  Art enjoyed many summers at his camp on Canada Lake and winters snowbirding in Sarasota, Florida.  Strong in faith, Art was a parishioner at St. Thomas the Apostle in Delmar for over 60 years.

Art is survived by his wife, Joan; children, Maureen (Roger) Augar of Feura Bush, Kenneth (Sherry) LaBelle of East Berne, and Steven (Debra) LaBelle of Duanesburg; grandchildren, Roger Jr., Shawn and Shannon Augar, Kelly Connors and Ryan LaBelle, and Kyle and Brett LaBelle;  ten great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Mary Kinnicutt and sons, Larry and Ronald.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 17, 2023 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 35 Adams Place, Delmar, NY 12054.  Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Glenmont.  Relatives and friends are invited and may also call at the Reilly & Son Funeral Home, Voorheesville Thursday from 4 - 7 p.m.  For those who wish, memorial donations to St. Thomas the Apostle Church would be appreciated.