Daniel James LaBonte

Daniel James LaBonte, 59, passed away suddenly in the home he loved in Scottsdale, AZ on May 27, 2014. He grew up surrounded by close family and lifelong friends, was a graduate of South Hadley High School in western Massachusetts and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Dan lived his entire life to the absolute fullest. He made everyone laugh with his quick wit, read voraciously, dabbled as a francophone, never came in last in a round of 18-holes, worked hard and played harder. He was well-traveled around the globe, from his annual winter ski trip with the crew in the European Alps to his family vacation every July in York, ME. Danny was predeceased by his parents, Anne J (Haber) and Leon G LaBonte of South Hadley, MA; his eldest sister Carol A Cooper and only brother Robert J. Dan is survived by the love of his life, Cynthia J Sanstrom of Simsbury, CT; his only child Michele and her husband (who happened to be his favorite godson) Dan Belisle and their children Josie and Brody of Middlefield, CT; his surviving sisters Joyce M LaBonte of Worcester, MA, Nancy E Leutert of Mendon, MA, Joan E LaBonte of Chicopee, MA and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and family-like friends. Dan's earthly presence was larger than life itself and even though he thought his life was a tiny spec in the "grand scheme of things", his joie de vivre touched countless souls everywhere. His motto: "life is a collection of experiences, not things" will live on in the hearts of the family and friends who miss him terribly. A memorial reception will be held in Dan's honor on Saturday, June 7 from 4-8pm at Phil's Grill, Gray Hawk Country Club in Scottsdale, AZ. A funeral mass at Saint Patrick's on Main Street in his hometown of South Hadley, MA will be on his favorite date, Friday the 13th of June at 10 am, immediately followed by a burial at St. Rose Cemetery also in So Hadley. A party for his cherished family and friends will be held in Connecticut. In lieu of flowers, please treat yourself to a nice bottle of wine and do something from your bucket list.