In Loving Memory of Daniel J. LaBonte

It is with sadness that the family of Daniel J. LaBonte announced his peaceful and unexpected passing on Friday, July 26, 2024, at home in Putnam, CT. He was 76. Born and raised in Putnam, he was the youngest son of Eugene E. and Nellie (Zaklukiewicz) LaBonte. Graduated from Putnam High and Sacred Heart University. He worked as a chemist.

Danny was a devoted and loving husband to Michelle (Breault) LaBonte for fifty-one wonderful years.

Danny’s life was filled with simple joys. He enjoyed going to the ocean, and holding hands and dancing with Michelle at Riverfire each summer (thanks Gary O for our last dance). He had fun goofing around while playing Farkle with his family, and sharing laughter and jokes with his son. Danny was an adventurer at heart, enjoying riding roller-coasters with his kids when they were young, horse training with his daughter, exploring National Parks with his granddaughter, coaching softball, and creating unforgettable memories.

He was a kind and gentle man who loved working with wood, sports, being entertained by his chickens, quiet moments with dragonflies, and searching for the rainbow after a storm. Quick to laughter with a twinkle in his eye, like his late father whom he missed, he was welcoming to everyone around him.

To his family he was fondly known as Grampa. His joy in life was spending time with his granddaughter Emma. The way he embraced life and noticed the little things is part of his legacy.

Danny is survived by his beloved wife, Michelle; children, Sarah, Maura, and Joshua and Joshua’s companion, Mayra Rivera; and his precious granddaughters, Emma and Scarlet. He is also survived by his brother Eugene LaBonte, Jr., his nephews Brandon and his wife Sherry, and Garrett; sister-in-law Betty Galaba, niece Michelle Lee, her husband Don and their daughter Olivia.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit and pay their respects on Sunday, August 4, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam, CT. The Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM at St. Mary Church of the Visitation, 218 Providence St., Putnam, CT.

Danny’s spirit and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. If you wish to contribute to Daniel's funeral please visit https://www.venmo.com/u/MemorialFundforDannyLaBonte. To leave a message in the memorial guestbook, please visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.