CASCO — John R. Labonte, 86, of Casco, died Sunday, March 17, 2013 of cancer, at home surrounded by his family.

He was born in Lewiston, Oct. 4, 1926, the son of William and Eva Labonte. He was educated in Lewiston schools and graduated from Lewiston High School in 1947 after serving in the U.S. Navy for two years.

He married Constance LeClair that same year. They were married for 65 years. They resided on Old Greene Road in Lewiston for 22 years before moving to Thompson Lake in Casco in 1980. They also resided in Ocala, Fla., for 12 winters.

John was employed at Sears for 17 years, the last of which as service manager. After leaving Sears, he became self-employed establishing Chip & Scratch Furniture & Appliance Touch-Up. He remained self-employed until retiring in 1986.

John was an avid sportsman, enjoying high school football, softball and hockey, bowling, hunting, fishing and horseshoe pitching. He had a great sense of humor and loved to make people laugh. He lived by the side of the road and was a friend to man.

He is survived by his wife, Constance G. Labonte; six children, Jeannine Levesque, Louise Dennis, Thomas Labonte, Anne LeBlanc, Marc Labonte and Suzanne Gorr; 11 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by two brothers, Arthur and Valdor Labonte.

The public is invited to share condolences with the Labonte family by visiting their guest book at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com

Private services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in John’s memory to Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice, 15 Strawberry Ave., Lewiston, ME 04240.

A service of The Fortin Group Funeral Home, Cremation and Monument Services, 70 Horton Street, Lewiston.