Bob Louis LaBella, 85, Died; US Army Veteran, Former Westporter

Robert "Bob" Louis LaBella, 85, of Northfield, MA, died in his home Sunday, March 6. His final days were spent with his family, who surrounded him with love and stayed by his side night and day as he neared death.

Bob was born September 23, 1936, to Daniel P. LaBella and Bergilot Danielsen in Stamford, CT. He was brought up by his father and his lifelong partner, Marjorie Stout.

Bob graduated from Stamford High School then served in military logistics for the U.S. Army. From 1960 to 1962, he drove large trucks in Grafenwöhr, Germany, then returned to the U.S. and served for four more years in the Army Reserve.

Once he returned stateside in 1962, Bob married Frances Noel and became a manager at Dunkin' Donuts. To their delight, he sometimes let his nieces Linda and Jane (over) fill the jelly donuts. Their only child, Sharon, was born in 1963, shortly after he began a 32-year career with United Parcel Service, driving tandem tractor-trailers between Stratford, CT, and the Philadelphia Airport.

In the late 1960s, Bob and Fran bought a rundown house in Westport, CT. With few resources, the help of a few friends, and a lot of dedication, Bob lovingly brought the house back to life one room at a time. He created a wonderful home where friends and family were always welcome and his daughter thrived.

At a time when few men took a leading role in child rearing, Bob provided the happiest of childhoods for Sharon while Frances pursued an ambitious corporate career on the road. Bob was there for the day-to-day. Sharon saw her hardworking and compassionate, big-hearted dad as a hero who made a lot out of a little. She was honored when—at the end of his life—he came to live with her once again so she could try to offer him the same happy, loving home he had earlier made for her.

He was an early adopter of computers, back when you had to type line after line of code to play a computer game. He loved technology, and was always interested in the next new thing. Bob was an avid photographer who taught himself to develop film and print photos in his basement darkroom. He also passed on this love of photography to Sharon, who went on to study photography in college and graduate school.

While he never went to college himself, Bob made sure his daughter received a great education and went on to secure a college education for his two grandchildren. He was a dedicated and loving father and grandfather; providing for his family always brought Bob great happiness.

Once retired, Bob loved playing golf every day with his brother Richard and best friend Art Bradley. He moved briefly to Arizona with his second wife Barbara Kalb, but then returned to New England, where he lived in Mashpee, MA, accessible once again to those who loved him most

In March 2020, Bob moved to Northfield to live with Sharon and her husband Paul, his grandson Jude, his granddaughter Emma, and her partner Colby. For his last two years, Bob and his family enjoyed seeing one other every day. His CNA Nina loved Bob like a grandfather, and he looked forward to her arrival each weekday. They had a special bond and she became one of the family.

Even in his last years, struggling against Lewy body dementia, Bob kept his dry sense of humor. He'd often come out with some wisecrack and then smile with a twinkle in his eye.

Bob had a deep appreciation for music, especially when performed by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett, Herb Alpert, or Johnny Mathis. Throughout his life, he was an avid Giants and Yankees fan and was happiest during football season when the Giants were winning. In a throwback to his Dunkin' Donuts days, Bob loved getting Dunkin' Donuts every Friday. He also thoroughly enjoyed the dinners and baked goods Emma made him.

In addition to his immediate family, Bob also leaves behind his cousins Connie Caporizzo, Beatrice "Princess" Sabia, and Mary Lou Rinaldi of Stamford, CT, as well as several nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his three older brothers, Frank, Edward, and Richard, as well as by both his wives. We all have very fond memories of Bob that we will treasure forever. We miss him dearly.

The family thanks the VA for the support that made Bob feel well taken care of; thanks Guardian Angels Concierge Service for sending great people to help care for Bob; and thanks Overlook Hospice for making his last weeks as peaceful as possible.

At the convenience of the family, Bob will be buried next to his brother Richard along with the ashes of his dear friend Art in the LaBella family plot in Saint John's Cemetery in Darien, CT. At that time, the family will gather for a celebration of his life and a military salute.

Kidder Funeral Home, 1 Parker Ave. Northfield, Ma. Is in charge of arrangements.

To send condolences please visit www.kidderfuneralhome.com.