Obituary of Robert F. L'Abbe

Robert F. L’Abbe, of Peabody, died peacefully Thursday morning at his home where he was born 74 years ago with his family by his side after a year long illness. He was the devoted husband of Doris (DeCelle) L’Abbe with whom he shared 44 years of marriage. He was the son of the late Alfred and Leona (Tibeautot) L’Abbe and one of 14 Children and had resided in Peabody all his life. He graduated from St. John’s Grammar School and Peabody High School in 1953. Robert entered the US Army in 1958 where he served in the Engineer division during peacetime for 2 years until his discharge in 1960. Upon his return became a truck driver for the Remis Industries in Peabody for over 42 years retiring in 1998 at the age of 62. He had a love of cars and enjoyed his classic 1956 Ford Victoria that he showed at the different car meets. He also liked playing cards and doing his morning coffee socials with his pals at the McDonald restaurant on High St. and also his Monday Night coffee at Dunkin Donuts in Danvers with his other friends. He also enjoyed going bowling and playing Bingo with his wife and friends. He was a member of the Leo Council # 508 Knights of Columbus and the BPOE lodge of Elks # 1409 both of Peabody. Bob enjoyed plowing during the winter season. Surviving him besides his wife are three sons, Thomas L’Abbe of Peabody, Wayne L’Abbe of Norfolk and Steven Gallagher of California, his siblings and their spouses, Ronald and Rosemary L’Abbe of Beverly, Raymond and Shirley L’Abbe of Palm Beach Fl, Jean and Bob Hebert of West Peabody and Rose and Bob Faukner of Danvers, a grandchild, Joshua Gallagher of LI, New York and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Pat, Rene, Richard, Paul, Morris, William and Val L’Abbe, Doris Perry and Lorraine Walsh. A Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 4:00 until 8:00 PM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home at the 82 Lynn St., Peabody facility. His funeral will be held on Wednesday at 9:00 AM from the Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian burial in St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Margin St., Peabody/Salem line at 10:00 AM. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Hospice of North Shore, 75 Sylvan St., Suite B 102, Danvers, Ma 01923 in his memory.