Leonard P. LABOSSIERE

Leonard P. LaBossiere -- November 8, 1927 - April 19, 2005 -- DANIELSON - Leonard P. LaBossiere, 77, of Taos Drive died on Tuesday at the Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam. He was the husband of Norma (Stoddard) LaBossiere, who survives him. They were married on June 8, 1953 in Maryland. Mr. LaBossiere was born in Danielson on Nov. 8, 1927, the son of the late Peter and Olive (Melina) LaBossiere. He attended St. James School in Danielson, and graduated from Killingly High School in 1945. Upon completion of his education, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served during World War II and was stationed aboard the USS Pine Island. He was decorated with the Asiatic Pacific Medal, the American Theatre Medal, and the Victory Medal. He achieved the rank of Seaman First Class. Upon his honorable discharge, he became a mason in the local building trades. He then became a lineman for CL & P, and then a Field Line Supervisor, retiring in 1985, after thirtyfive years with the company. He was a talented athlete, playing semipro baseball with the Danielson Towners and semipro football with the Danielson Blackhawks. He loved fishing and hunting at his camp in Maine, and he enjoyed pitching horseshoes. Most of all, he loved his wife, children and grandchildren. He was a member of the Danielson Lodge of Elks 1706 and the KillinglyBrooklyn Memorial VFW Post 2650. He was a communicant of St. James Church in Danielson. Besides his wife, he leaves two sons, Daniel P. LaBossiere of Marietta, Georgia, and John L. LaBossiere of Danielson; four daughters, Leslie J. McMahan of Weatherford, Texas, Diane M. Kumor and her husband, Richard of Plymouth, MA, Jan E. May and her husband, Douglas of Pomfret, and Carol J. DiCenso and her husband Franny of Framingham, MA; a brother, Roland "Dusty" LaBossiere of Brooklyn, CT; a sister, Florence LaBossiere Gladu of Danielson; ten grandchildren, Daniel Luke and Caleb McMahan; Danielle Marie Kumor; Dusty and Destiny LaBossiere; Aaron Leonard and Trevor Wesley May; Gaetana, Francesco and Gabriella DiCenso; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, Wilfred and Robert LaBossiere; and a sister, Jeanette Rita LaBossiere. Funeral from the GagnonCostello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson on Friday at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. James Church, Danielson. Burial with military honors following at Holy Cross Cemetery, Danielson. Calling hours are Thursday 79 p.m.