Dana Robert Labbee

Dana Robert Labbee, 18, of 8 Burns Lane, Adams, died Thursday morning, April 22, 2010, in Adams. We have lost our beloved son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin and friend. In life, Dana was happy, hard-working, enthusiastic, intelligent, caring and loving. Type 1 diabetes had never held Dana back. He loved sports, academics, music, and virtually any endeavor life presented him. There was no sport that escaped his best efforts. He was a champion hurdler; he golfed, played football, and most of all, he loved basketball. In academics, he excelled. He was repeatedly an Honor Roll student over his entire career. He was an excellent debater, showing a talent and fervor which may eventually have taken him into a career in that arena. He loved literature, art and music. The piano in particular gave him great joy, and he was able to compose music almost effortlessly. Throughout his time at Hoosac Valley High School, from where he was to graduate in June, he served as a peer mediator because others in his environment recognized his great gifts. He planned to carry his talents into a successful college career at Regis College in Boston in the Fall. Before his untimely death in an automobile accident, Dana was promise personified. He was a tremendous and enthusiastic lover of life. He gave all of his passion, life-force and energy to each endeavor he undertook. He was a strong and determined person who faced astounding adversity in his life with courage and dedication. In his last few months, he had said, "Mom, if I died tomorrow, I'd have no regrets because I love everything I do". His death leaves all of us the poorer. He will be profoundly missed by his family and his community. He was born in North Adams on September 12, 1991, son of Dana and Martha (Degen) Labbee. Besides his parents, he is survived by 2 sisters, Shawna Labbee and her boyfriend, Jeremy Nicholson, of Adams; and Rachel Labbee and her fianc�e, Tim Markland, of Nantucket; a brother, Matthew Labbee and his girlfriend, Meghan Robertson, of North Adams; His paternal grandmother, Dolores Labbee of West Yarmouth, MA; His maternal grandmother, Evelyn Degen of Adams; A nephew, Troy Markland; and many aunts, uncles & cousins. He was predeceased by his paternal grandfather, Charles Labbee; and by his maternal grandfather, Robert Degen. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 27th, at 10:00 AM in the Parish Church of Pope John Paul the Great, Route 8, Adams, celebrated by Rev. Daniel J. Boyle, Pastor. Burial will follow in Bellevue Cemetery, Adams. Calling hours at the PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, 13 Hoosac St. Adams, will be Monday from 4 to 7 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation through the funeral home.

Dana Robert Labbee

April 22, 1992 - April 22, 2010