"Together Again"

"To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, To find the best in others, To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." Frederick (Fred) LaBate passed away peacefully at his home at the age of 93. Fred was born on Feb 29, 1924 in Pittsburgh PA to Americo and Philomena LaBate. He spent his entire life living on North Hill and was always proud of that and of his Italian heritage. He was a lifetime member of the Carovillese Club. He graduated from North HS in 1942, served in the US Army during WW II, achieving the rank of SSgt, returning to Akron and continuing his career at THE B. F. Goodrich. He married his beautiful wife, Lenora, in 1949 and had 3 children. He retired from THE Goodrich in 1974, with over 30 years of service. He spent the rest of his life "succeeding", enjoying his family, his friends and the simple beauty of life. He dedicated his life to always making sure his family was first, his friends second and himself last. Over the years, he always loved being outside, be it fishing in Canada, day trips to Holmes County to enjoy his many Amish friends, tending his garden, puttering around the yard, or just sitting on his back deck and enjoying a nice glass of wine. He truly loved being with his brother, Bob, who just preceded him in death in Nov, 2016. They loved joking and teasing each other, and any other family member who happened to wander into their conversations. Fred was a kind, gentle caring man who, even as his health declined, made sure that every one who came to his home left with something. Fred was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Lenora, siblings, Arthur, Hugo, Robert and Viola. He is survived by his children, David (Penny), Susie Daly, Sandy (Jennifer) Bender; his grandchildren Christopher (Amanda) LaBate, Maia Daly, Kari (Chad) Mraz, Kelly (Sean) Prescott; his 5 great-grandchildren, and his sister Margaret Goodney. The family appreciates the many years of friendship, help and caring that his next door neighbor, Rick(Mary)Knotek, offered Dad  and the assistance that Beth Collins offered him in the last few months of his life. The family would like to thank Dr Atul Goswami MD, Dr Ray Acus MD, Dr Zou Yassine MD , Dr Pat Flanagan MD and all their staffs for the kind and caring way you treated our dad. Special thanks to Cathleen, Amy, Carla, and each and every member of the Crossroads Hospice family. Without your help and strength, Dad would never have fulfilled his wish to pass away in his home. Memorial Calling Hours will be from 4 to 7pm Monday at Hennessy Funeral Home (corner of York and Main) 552 N. Main St. Akron.  A Memorial Mass will be held at a later date at Blessed Trinity Church.  Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery.