Obituary of Frank LaBate

Mr. Frank LaBate, 93, of Amsterdam entered into eternal rest on Saturday, October 15, 2016. A lifelong city resident, Frank was the last living child of Dominick and Josephine Messineo LaBate. He attended local schools, and served proudly with the United States Navy from 1943 until 1945 when he was honorably discharged. On April 28, 1946 he was united in marriage to Jean DiCaprio LaBate. That union lasted 68 years until her passing on January 17, 2014. He was also predeceased by his son, Thomas LaBate; and his siblings, Anthony and Thomas LaBate, Antoinette Fontecchio, Sarah Iannotti, Carmella Cipullo and Pauline LaBate. Frank was a salesman, employed by Sears in Amsterdam and Schenectady, retiring as acting store manager after 50 years of service. He was a devout Catholic and a parishioner of St. Mary's Church. He was a member of the Columbian Social Club and the Knights of Columbus, Council #209. He enjoyed traveling with his wife Jean, and spending time with his family. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. Survivors include his sons, Robert LaBate and his wife Krystyn of Saratoga and Paul LaBate and his wife Mary Beth of Amsterdam; one daughter, Kelly Swart and her husband Ron of Amsterdam; six grandchildren, Melissa LaBate, Thomas LaBate, Katie (Ryan) Barbera, Matthew Swart, Lucas Swart and Giovanni LaBate; three great grandchildren, Jacob LaBate, Ella Barbera and Lola Barbera; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services will commence on Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at 8:15a.m. at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:15a.m. at St. Mary's Church Roman Catholic Church with the Rev. Jeffrey L'Arche, MS as celebrant. Burial will take place in the parish cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday evening from 4 until 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in Frank's memory to St. Mary's Church, 156 East Main Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010 or Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steel Avenue, Gloversville, NY 12078. Please sign the family guest book on line at www.brbsfuneral.com