AUBURN – Richard E. Labbe, 85, a resident of Wales, died early Sunday morning, March 24, 2024 at the Hospice House of Androscoggin.
He was born at home on Stewart Street in Lewiston, Maine on June 19 1938, the son of the late Joseph A. and Lillian E. (Rivard) Labbe. He grew up with an elder sister Constance and a baby sister Irene.
At the age of 17, TSGT Emilien Richard Labbe enlisted in the U.S.A.F. on August 11, 1955 and proudly completed his Air Force career after 20 years active duty retiring on September 1, 1975.
After retiring from the Air Force, he worked at Digital Equipment Corporation in Augusta from 1978 to 1991 followed with FEMA from 1994 to 2012 retiring at the age of 74 very much looking forward to what would be four wonderful trips to Tucson, AZ with his flying cloud airstream (the closest thing he could find to replace the C-130 Hercules) as a relief from the Maine winters and to spend time with many special friends that he made through the years.
While in Maine, he took great pride in gardening his berries, tomatoes and keeping his 2 acre yard mowed. Bowling and hunting were hobbies he enjoyed as well.
Richard is survived by his wife, Diane R. Labbe, after 32 years of marriage and a total of 39 years of adventure; his sister Irene Lebrun Vantine and her husband Gerry; his nephews Mark Lebrun, Tommy Lebrun and John Lee; his nieces Karen Lee and Christine Lebrun Berry.
He was predeceased by his parents; his sister Constance Lee who died in 2023; his son Mark R. Labbe who died in 1986; his daughter Anne P. Milliken who died in 2000; his nephew Michael Lee who died in 1999; and cousins, aunts and uncles.
To my Richard- “God as your Commander in Chief gave you back your wings!”
A Mass of Christian Burial honoring Richard’s life will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Holy Family Church. Committal services along with a military honors service will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Richard’s memory to the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society, 55 Strawberry Avenue, Lewiston, Maine 04240 or to the Wounded Warriors at www.support.woundedwarriorproject.org . Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 from 4-8 PM and on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 from 9:00 AM till the time of the Mass at The Fortin Group Funeral Homes newest location Pinette Dillingham & Lynch Funeral Home 305 Alfred A. Plourde Parkway in Lewiston, 784-4023. Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com .

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