Robert Andre "Bob" Labonte

Robert (Bob) Andre Labonte, 81, of Manchester, passed away suddenly on January 4, 2026 at Elliot Hospital. Born in Manchester on May 26, 1944, he was the son of the late Robert L. and Lucienne (Roy) Labonte. Bob, affectionately nicknamed ‘Butch’ by his family.

Bob was born in Manchester and raised in Chester, New Hampshire. He lived in Massachusetts several years in his early adult life and many years in Portsmouth before returning to Manchester more than 30 years ago. A true jack of all trades, he worked in many fields over the years, including factory work in his younger days, and later as a barber and custodian. Bob most recently worked the local voting for over a decade and was so proud to be involved!

Bob loved to dance and was a musician at heart. In his younger years he played the Organ and the Accordion. His Accordion talent led him to a special event to play at the Palace Theater beside Myron Floren!

His greatest passion was collecting antiques; he operated an antique booth and sold at flea markets throughout New England. He also enjoyed playing bingo and scratch tickets and collected teddy bears. Above all, he treasured spending time with his family, especially during holiday gatherings. Bob had a child-like zest for life and no matter the challenge, believed he could still do it all! Nothing could keep him down for long and his energy soared even when his body and family could not keep up.

Bob is survived by his sisters, Priscilla Magnor and her husband Cliff of North Carolina, Christine Fraser of Windham, Claudette Porter of Raymond, Katherine Robarge and her husband Richard of Northfield, and Barbara Fraser and her husband Dana of North Carolina; his close friends, Jackie Scanlon and her husband Frank, and longtime friend of 47 years, Judy Tremblay and her husband Robert, all of Manchester; his 5 stepbrothers and 4 stepsisters as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, extended family members, and friends.

Bob is predeceased by his Stepmother, Winona Labonte and sister, Agnes Weilbrenner.

Bob’s family would like to thank his landlords, Reggie and Kay, for their kindness, care and baked ‘goodies’ over the years.

Services will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 243 Hanover Street, Manchester, NH. A Memorial Gathering will be held from 11AM-1PM with a Memorial Service in the funeral home chapel at 1 PM. Friends and family are invited to attend a Celebration of Life immediately following the service.