Joseph F. LaBonte Jr., 87, of Poughkeepsie, took his final checkered flag on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at Northern Dutchess Hospital at Rhinebeck.

Born, June 3, 1938, in Poughkeepsie, he was the son of the late Joseph LaBonte Sr and Eleanor Marshall LaBonte.

On August 7th, 1960 in Hyde Park, Joseph married the beautiful Roslyn Taber, together they spent over 65 years as husband and wife. Mrs. LaBonte survives at home.

Growing up on the family farm in Salt Point, where many of his famous stories began. at that time, he would cut hay selling it for .75 cents a bale and cutting wood for $65 a cord. Following his graduation from high school Joe went back to doing what he loved and worked for many years as a Logger and Wood Cutter, clearing land for various places including Marist College, for many years until his retirement at 82 years old.

Joe could often be found out and about at the Eveready Diner many mornings with his breakfast crew, telling jokes and enjoying making people laugh.

He also enjoyed spending time with family, watching NASCAR, watching his grandson Ryan race in the south, or taking trips with his son Rick and grandson Joe to Lebanon Valley almost every Saturday night, as often as he could.

As a faithful father and grandfather, he loved coaching baseball, playing softball for Schmaling Glass, or going to his children's events. In later years this transitioned to spending time with his grandchildren, taking them fishing, going to car shows, attending softball games and cheerleading events and looking forward to ending the day with ice cream.

Along with his wife Joe is survived by his children Rick LaBonte and wife Nia, and Karin LaBonte Glenski and husband Randy; four grandchildren, Joe LaBonte, Melissa LaBonte and husband Brian Dorsey, Briona Glenski and Ryan Glenski.

He was predeceased by three siblings, Jean, Carol, and Marshall, and finally being reunited with his brother, you can be certain he's having a catch and with Marshall.

And if anyone who's ever heard the joke about the pig blowing the horn...… well.... you're lucky to have known such a great man.

A celebration of life will be on June 29th at the Red Rooster at 1pm, 82 South Cross Rd. Staatsburg, NY 12580.

Joseph's family respectfully requests memorial donations to be made to yourself for "self-care" as our ancestors did once upon a time.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet's Funeral Home, Rte. 9, Hyde Park.

To send an online condolence, or for directions, please visit www.sweetsfuneralhome.com