Peter Labate

Peter Carl LaBate, 89, of Amsterdam, New York, passed away early Sunday morning, June 8, 2014 at home surrounded by his family.

Born in Amsterdam on December 18,1924, he was the son of the late Annunziato "James" and Maria St.Angelo LaBate.

Pete received his education in the Amsterdam school system and was a 1943 graduate of Wilbur H. Lynch High School where he played both varsity Basketball and baseball. Immediately after graduation, he served in the United States Navy. He worked as an airplane mechanic for three years during World War II and was honorably discharged after the war ended.

After returning home, he worked as a plumber-steamfitter for almost forty years with the United Association of Plumbers Union Local 105 (now Local 7) AFL-CIO, including 15 years with Mormile Plumbing in Amsterdam, until his retirement in 1986.

During his retirement, Pete cherished his time with family members, and he often donated his professional skills to various repair and construction projects to those in need of his assistance.

Pete was a parishioner and communicant of St. Mary's Church in Amsterdam, a longtime member of the Amsterdam municipal Golf Course, and a life time member of the Columbian Social Club.

His beloved wife of 60 years, Eileen Clary LaBate, predeceased Pete in 2008. Their daughter, Margaret Mary "Peggy" LaBate also predeceased him at the age of 4 in 1963.

Pete is survived by five children, Kathy Myers (David) of West Chester, Pennsylvania; Jim LaBate (Barbara) of Clifton Park, New York; Marie Gavry (Paul) of Amsterdam, New York; Anne LaBate of Trenton, New Jersey; and Jenny Philbrook (Ed) of Latham, NY.

He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Ryan Myers of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Margaux Miller (Jason) of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Maria LaBate of Albany, Katrina LaBate of Clifton Park; Evan Gavry of Boston; Emily Gavry of Amsterdam; Renee Bosch (Greg) of Fairfield, Connecticut; Steven Philbrook of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Kyla Philbrook of Latham, New York; and two great grandsons, Errol Bailey of Amsterdam and Owen Miller of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Pete's surviving siblings include, Joseph P. LaBate of Herkimer, New York, and Mary LaBate and Madeline Van Allen (Bob), all of Amsterdam.

Pete was predeceased by six brothers: Anthony ("Boston"), John, Harry, Samuel, Michael, and Jacob and one sister, Carmela Caddell.

It was Pete's wishes to have his remains donated to the Anatomical Gift Program at Albany Medical College.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial, which will be celebrated on Saturday morning June 14, 2014 at 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary's Church at 156 Main Street in Amsterdam.

Immediately after the Mass, friends may greet the family in the reception hall at the church.

Inurnment will be at St. Mary's Cemetery in Fort Johnson, New York.

There are no calling hours.

Memorial gifts in Pete's name may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 2 Pine West Plaza, Albany, NY 12205, or to the Community Hospice of Amsterdam, 246 Manny's Corners Road, Amsterdam, New York 12010.