Robert Laberge

Robert Harvey Laberge, 92, of Matthews, died peacefully at his home on January 23, 2024. Through the blessing of hospice, he was home surrounded by family. Robert was born in Old Lyme, Connecticut, on April 1, 1931. He spent some years there before living with his grandfather in Hartford, Connecticut. Growing up on a farm in Suffield, Connecticut, Robert learned the value of hard work. Right after high school, Robert answered his country’s call to service and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. While on the ship, enroute to the Korean Conflict, it was announced that the hostilities had ended. Everyone cheered as the ship began to turn around until they realized it was really doing a complete 360 and was still enroute to the Korean Peninsula. Robert graduated from the radio operator school and on September 25, 1954, he was honorably discharged. Upon his return to the states, he worked a few “lousy jobs” as he would put it until he attended AIC, a college in Springfield, Massachusetts. He earned his bachelors degree in business. Robert eventually went on to work for IBM, from which he retired as an industrial engineer. While in Springfield, he attended a local dance and was captivated by a certain young Ms. Joyce Ratte, who not only captured his dance step but also his heart. On May 16, 1964, they were married in East Longmeadow, Mass. Working for IBM brought Robert and Joyce to New York and then ultimately to Charlotte where they have lived since. When not working, Robert enjoyed collecting baseball memorabilia, model cars and coins. He was also a member of St John Neuman and St Luke’s Catholic Church, and he was also with the Knights of Columbus. Most of all, Robert loved the time spent with family and friends. He volunteered with Novant Hospital as well as the Special Olympics, continuing his legacy of caring for his fellow man. Robert is survived by his wife of 59 years, Joyce; his daughters: Laura (husband Gary) Meier of Mint Hill, and Lisa (husband Joe) Williams of Mint Hill; grandchildren: Amanda “Mandy” King and Justin Williams; and great grandchildren: Jackson King and Madison King. Robert is further survived by his sister, Jean Schick; as well as numerous other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his adoptive parents. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Robert's name may be made to Novant Health Hospice and Palliative Care, 324 N. McDowell St. #200, Charlotte, NC 28204.

Robert Laberge

April 1, 1931 - January 23, 2024