It is with deep regret that the City of Stamford Fire Department announces the passing of retired Firefighter John Robert Labati.  

Firefighter Labati, 88, of Stamford, CT passed away peacefully at Greenwich Hospital on September 20th, surrounded by his family. John, one month shy of this 89th birthday, was the beloved husband of 61 years to the late Carole Labati, who passed away on May 25th of this year.

He was born in New York City on October 18, 1929 to the late John and Margaret Ochelli Labati. After graduating from Greenwich High School, where he was a track star, John served two tours of duty in the U. S. Army. In the mid-1950’s, he went to work at Conde Nast Publications in Greenwich. It was there, at a company picnic, that he met the love of his life and future wife, Carole. Shortly after getting married in 1957, John joined the Stamford Fire Department where he worked until his retirement in 1993.

John was a master craftsman and enjoyed spending time in his workshop building furniture and repairing cars; a man who could fix anything! In Rhode Island, John always loved working outdoors and when work was done, John and Carole would be found relaxing on their back deck with family. He always looked forward to his annual Autumn trips with his wife and close friends.

John is survived by his four children, Donna Thigpen and husband Bernard of Stamford; John Jr. of Jersey City, NJ; James and wife Janet and daughter Maria – John and Carole’s beloved granddaughter – of Sandy Hook, CT; Richard and wife Betty of Stamford and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters, Florence Balocca, Jean Labati, Marian Marino, as well as his brother, Richard Labati. The family would like to extend special thanks to Nelly de la Cruz (Minnie) for her care and compassion.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, September 25, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at The Basilica of St. John the Evangelist, 279 Atlantic Street, Stamford followed by interment at St. John Cemetery, 25 Camp Avenue, Darien.

Donations in John’s memory can be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation at 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60611, www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org.

The Edward Lawrence Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. www.lawrencefuneralhome.com.