Richard John LaBeau

Richard John LaBeau, 94, of Watertown, NY, passed away at Samaritan Medical Center on Sunday, February 9th, 2025.

Richard “Dick” was born on December 27th, 1930 in Watertown, NY to the late John and Catherine (Eddy) LaBeau. He worked as a sales manager and engineer for Strata and Dyna Power at New York Airbrake and Bombardier at Elliott and Hutchinson’s.  Richard was an accomplished athlete, receiving a full scholarship to play football, baseball, and basketball at Clarkson University.  He was a member of The Lambda Dota Fraternity of Clarkson University where he developed life long friendships.

Following graduation from Clarkson, Richard served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955. He was selected as a member of the National Honor Guard in Fort Myer, VA.  He also played for the Army football team. 

Richard will be missed by his family and friends with whom he shared his passions for sports, music, dancing, and skiing.  He also loved fishing and hunting with his friends throughout the Adirondacks and North Country.

Richard is survived by his wife of 70 years, Irene (Bertrand) LaBeau, children, Timothy (Nancy) LaBeau of Skaneateles NY, Julie (Bradford) LaBeau-Wheler of Cazenovia NY, Jan (Dan) Coleman of Williamsville NY, and Jill Tatge of Mount Prospect IL. Richard is also survived by 13 grandchildren, Kristin (Karl) Bitz, Kate (Ryan) Wigley, Liz LaBeau, Timmy (Ida) LaBeau, Ann LaBeau, Allison LaBeau, Natalie (Adam) Moodie, Jill Coleman, Katie Coleman, Julie Coleman, Sammy Coleman, Danny Tatge, and Lynn Tatge, as well as 5 great grandchildren, Addie, Josie, Eli, and Emme Bitz, and Sloane Houston.

A funeral service will be held at noon, Friday February 14, at Cleveland Funeral Home, 404 Sherman St., Watertown, NY 13601.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Cleveland Funeral Home, Inc., Watertown. Online condolences can be made at www.clevelandfhinc.com.

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