Obituary of Richard William LaBelle

Richard W. LaBelle of Saginaw, Michigan, formerly of Port Huron, Michigan, passed away on Friday, December 1, 2023. He was the son of Felix and Jeannette LaBelle who have since passed, as has his sister Gloria Morris. Richard developed his loving and caring attitude towards others from his loving mother and his grandmother Frances Martin who “lent” him about ten thousand dollars over his youth fifty cents at a time.

Richard graduated from St. Stephens High School in Port Huron where he was taught “others before self”. He gives credit to his high school coach and mentor for instilling in him a confidence and never give up attitude. After graduation he served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Ranger in both the Atlantic and Pacific.

After his service in the Navy, Richard married Judith M. Nixon of Port Huron. Judith sacrificed her time, energy, and gave her total devotion to providing for him and her three sons, Richard L. of Detroit, Christopher S. (Renee) of Boardman, Ohio, and Michael J. (Lisa) of Livonia, who are now successful professionals with college degrees. Judith preceded Richard in death.

Richard worked in the field of mental health as a Master ‘s Degreed Social Worker for forty-five years and spent the last twenty-five years before retirement as the district social worker at Flushing Community Schools in Flushing, Michigan. He was the long serving President of the FEA, additionally coaching boys basketball, girls powderpuff football, boys golf, and other sports.

Later in life Richard shared many years of friendship, marriage, and life with Ariane Jones of Saginaw Michigan, and many years of companionship and joy with Daniel Miller.

Richard leaves behind his five wonderful grandchildren: Molly of Mt. Pleasant, Delaney and Ashton of Boardman, Ohio, and Caleb and Chloe LaBelle of Novi; and bonus family of K.C. (Anne) Jones, Hayden Graham, Mardi Del Jones, Dennis, Gwenevere, Kenneth, and Brenna.

FUNERAL: A memorial service for Richard will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday, December 9, 2023 at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Road (off State Street). Pastoral Minister Tori Little will officiate with military honors to follow.

VISITATION: Family and friends may gather at the funeral home on Saturday from 12 noon until the time of service.

MEMORIALS: Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Special Olympics Michigan Area 22 or Blue Water Habitat for Humanity.

Deisler Funeral home is honored to serve the LaBelle family. Please share your thoughts and memories at the funeral home or through www.deislerfuneralhome.org.