OSWEGO - Donald “Don” J. LaBarre, 94, a resident of Morningstar Residential Care Center of Oswego, New York, passed away Wednesday morning, January 14, 2026, at the Oswego Hospital. Don was born in Ellenburgh, New York, on July 20, 1931, to the late Ellsworth and Carol (Burgoyne) LaBarre.

Donald was a U.S. Army Veteran who served in both Germany and Korea. It was in Germany (in which he deemed the most beautiful place in the world), where he met his first wife, Margot. He spent most of his life in Raymondville, New York, retired, and then moved to Homosassa, Florida. Don was a hard worker and worked many years in construction as a heavy equipment operating engineer and mechanic. He was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 545, with 25 years of service. He later had his own excavating and tractor trailer businesses.

In his spare time, Donald enjoyed reading, woodworking, and fishing. He loved bicycling and riding his scooter around the streets of Homosassa. Don did not give up easily, and no matter what he endeavored to do, he was determined to accomplish it.

Donald is survived by his brother, Claude “Lee” LaBarre (Denise); his sister, Sharleen DeLosh; his niece, Tammy Murphy (LaBarre); many other nieces and nephews, and stepchildren. Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Ellsworth and Carol LaBarre; his first wife, Margot (Remschel) and second wife, Nancy (Tetrault); his brothers, Francis, Steven, and Robert and his sisters, Barbara Oakes and Rachel.

A private graveside service will be held in the spring at the Bixby Cemetery in Norfolk, New York. Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.buckfuneralhome.com. The Buck Funeral Home in Norwood is serving the family of Donald J. LaBarre.