Francis Joseph Labbree Sr.

He was the neighborhood dad who would take the kids down to the local field and spend the day having them field some grounders. But, he had a lifelong love of the game, hauling his boys off to many a Phillies game. Buzz was easy going and loved avoiding conflict; the only known exception being when he saw a line at his beloved Shop Rite. He liked to pop in at least 5 times a day: he’d mapped out the store in his mind and synced his shopping list to the layout. And once home, he was a talent in the kitchen whipping up the best soups and pies. If his T.V. was on he’d probably be checking out some Big Bang Theory or doing a little shopping on QVC. Summers found him on the beach in North Carolina, grandkids in tow. Buzz worked from the age of 14 in the printing business, everywhere from Huntsinger to Beck Engraving to Imaging Systems. He fought for our freedoms in Korea and was a member of the KWVA, Chapter 54.

Buzz was heads up one day when he walked into a local deli with a group of teammates after a baseball game. He’d strike up a conversation with the pretty girl behind the counter. When he returned from service in Korea he and Bertie wed. Buzz wasn’t shy about telling her she was the love of his life. Their 61 year marriage was blessed with 5 children, Frank (Sharon), Stephen (Kim), David (Joanie), Mark (Kim) and Jeannine; and later by 11 grandchildren, Michelle, Stephen, Matthew, Christopher, Nicholas, Michael, Jonathan, Morgan, Tyler, McKayla and Brianna. He is survived by his brother, George (Joan) and many nieces and nephews.
Come celebrate 85 great years Wednesday 9-10:30 a.m. at St. Margaret’s Church, Woodbury Heights, where Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Interment New Saint Mary Cemetery, Bellmawr. In lieu of flowers, donations to Holy Redeemer (holyredeemer.com) will be appreciated.