John V. LaBardo

A lifelong area resident, he was born June 8, 1950, in Jamestown, the son of the late Anthony “Tony” and Grace M. Tilaro LaBardo.

He is survived by his wife, Jodelle “Jodi” Nelson LaBardo, whom he married and saved April 9, 2005, in St. James Roman Catholic Church; two daughters: Ambrielle LaBardo (Manoel Robinson) of Fredericksburg, Va,, and Michelle (Douglas) Burleson of Rome, N.Y.; three stepchildren: Daniel Colburn of Jamestown, Amanda Colburn of Philadelphia, Pa., and Allison Colburn (Victoria Walburn) of Atlanta, Ga.; three grandchildren: Kennedy Burleson, Mariella Robinson and Micah Robinson; his sister, Josephine “JoJo” (Tom) Scarborough of Falconer; and one niece, Heidi Turner (Ritchie Campbell) of Jamestown, N.Y.

John graduated from Falconer High school in 1968 and Fredonia State University in 1972, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. He also received a masters degree in business administration from St. Bonaventure University in 1983. He owns and operates Southern Tier Financial in Falconer, where he guided and advised individuals and small employers on insurance and financial goals. He also owned and managed several multi-use housing units to ensure affordable housing was available in the community.

A devout Catholic, John was a member of St. James Roman Catholic Church, Ignatian Spirituality Group, Jamestown Area Knights of Columbus Council 926, serving as chancellor, and enjoyed participating in the Catholic Bocce League.

As a track and field enthusiast, he participated in the Senior Games until the age of 55 in shot put and served as president of the South Western New York Track & Field Officials. He was an avid wine maker, part of the Vikings Lodge and Wine Tasters Club, and loved sharing his homemade wine with friends and family.

John, who always looked to find ways to contribute to his community and the greater good volunteered for Jamestown Meals on Wheels, donated to charity every chance he could and truly enjoyed rescuing pets including three of his great loves: Angel, Bear and Cookie.

Most importantly, he was a devoted father, grandfather and husband who cherished his family more than anything. He will be deeply missed but will live on forever in their hearts.

He was preceded in death by his father, Anthony LaBardo on March 7, 1993 and his mother, Grace M. LaBardo on Feb. 22, 2013.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday in St. James Catholic Church, Jamestown. The Rev. Darrel Duffey will be celebrant. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Friends will be received by the family from 4-7 p.m. Monday in the Falconer Funeral Home. A Christian Wake service will be held at 7 p.m. Monday in the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be donated to the Chautauqua County Humane Society or St. Susan’s Center or Jamestown Meals on Wheels.

Visit our website at www.falconerfuneral home.net to send a message of condolence.