Robert LaBonte

Robert “Bob” LaBonté, age 81 of Lynnfield, passed away on Monday June 30 at his home in Lynnfield, MA.

He was born at the Bon Secours hospital on July 29, 1943 and was the son of the late Clarence and Marguerite “Peg” (Murphy) LaBonté and the steadfast husband of Ellin Hoyt LaBonté of Lynnfield.

Bob graduated from Lawrence High School in 1962. While in high school, Bob had a great love of sports. He was a tackle on the football team and shot putter in track. He remained a die hard Patriots fan til the end.

Bob joined the National Guard in 1965 and was a sergeant in the Maintenance Battalion where he was able to use his mechanical talents and interest in vehicles working on the big equipment.

Bob was not diagnosed with dyslexia until after high school. Despite his learning challenges, Bob persevered and pursued training to become a licensed, commercial electrician and achieved Master Electrician licenses in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Bob was proud of his double-digit license number.

Bob started with Capitol Electric then in 1970, he opened his business, RM LaBonté Electric Co, Inc., which operates to this day under the direction of his friend and mentee, current proprietor Douglas Dawkins. Bob was also incredibly proud of his former employees Dave and John who went on to become Massachusetts wire inspectors after their time working with LaBonté Electric as young electricians.

Bob was rightly proud of his mechanical ability and his hobbies showcased this talent, too. He was part of a local stock car racing team, and a NASCAR fan. Sharing a name with a NASCAR driver provided years of tchotchke gifts from family and friends.

Bob was constantly working on his homes in Lynnfield and for a while in Nantucket, MA. He loved taking road trips to flea markets all around New England looking for parts for his antique cars (the ‘36 Ford and the ‘56 Chevy) or for things to use on home projects.

In 2013 he enjoyed a second career as a bus driver with North Reading Transportation, working with multiple schools and grades before retiring again in 2022, committing his time to tinkering in his garage workshop and building devices for his grandchildren.

Bob is survived by his wife, Ellin (Hoyt) LaBonté. He was the loving father of Margaret LaBonté, her partner Chad Parenteau, and Donnell Anderson of Boston, Sarah (LaBonté) Benson and her husband John of Wakefield, Matthew LaBonté and his wife Jennifer of Lynnfield. Bob was predeceased by a son, R Michael LaBonté, Jr and we know they are reunited again. He is the brother of Clarence “Larry” LaBonté, Jr and his partner Helen Fitts of Lexington. He was the beloved Papa of 6 amazing granddaughters Molly, Anna, Grace, Ava, Lily, and Isabelle. Bob also leaves behind many loving family members, friends, and colleagues.

Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Monday July 7 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. A Graveside Service will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery, Forest Hill Ave., Lynnfield on Tuesday July 8 at 11:00 a.m.