Granby - Douglas George L'Abbee, Jr., a loving husband, dedicated father, and passionate outdoorsman, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2024, at Care One in Northampton at the age of 83. Born on April 21, 1941, in Holyoke, MA, Douglas was the son of Douglas G. L'Abbee, Sr. and Rose (Bombardier) L'Abbee, both of whom predeceased him. Douglas also was the last surviving of his four siblings.

Douglas was deeply devoted to his family and the community. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Maureen T. (O'Connor) L'Abbee, with whom he shared many joyful years. Together, they raised two children: Douglas L'Abbee and his wife Vicki of Granby, and Jacqueline Girard and her husband Ronald of Easthampton. He was also the proud grandfather of five grandchildren, Michelle Williams and husband Tyler of Ledyard, CT., Matthew Girard and wife Ashlee of Granby, MA., Douglas G. L’Abbee IV of Granby, MA., Mitchell L’Abbee of Granby, MA., and Robert L’Abbee of Granby, MA.; and two great grandchildren, Ella Williams and Landon Williams of Ledyard, CT, whose lives he touched with his gentle wisdom and infectious enthusiasm. He also leaves his faithful companion, Rosie, his German Shorthair Pointer who he loved dearly and had so many memories of running her at the Club each day.

Professionally, Douglas spent his career as a sales associate selling cooking spices. His passion for his work was evident, and he built strong and lasting relationships with his customers and colleagues alike.

Douglas was a man of many interests and talents. A skilled carpenter, he took immense pride in building his own home in Vermont from the ground up. His love for the great outdoors drew him to camping, hunting, fishing, and spending countless hours at the shooting range. A man of faith, Douglas was an active member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and the Men's Club, where he found great joy in volunteering his time and talents. He was the Chief Dishwasher at every meal event in the past.

His dedication to community service extended beyond his church. He coached baseball, and alongside his wife, volunteered for the Special Olympics held at Quabbin through the Swift River Sportsmen's Club. Douglas was also a cherished member of the Fairview Sportsman Club, Chicopee Sportsmen's Club, Ducks Unlimited and Swift River Sportsmans Club where he formed many lifelong friendships.

While living at Keystone Commons in recent years, he made many friends and continued giving to others by participating in the Random Acts of Kindness Group. He was also taught by a friend to knit and was seen knitting daily and he would donate his knitted hats to the Springfield Rescue Mission and other organizations. He even made special knitted Valentine Hats for his Great grandchildren's group of friends. He loved making people smile and was known as the “Mint Man” sharing mints with everyone. He never missed the Masses and Communions that were held at Keystone and was very involved in the Rosary 3 times a week.

Douglas's memory will be cherished by all who knew him. His legacy of love, service, and dedication to family and community will continue to inspire those he leaves behind.

The community and friends are invited to celebrate Douglas's life and honor his memory. A funeral Mass will be held Monday, July 29 at 10 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Granby.  The family will receive guests at 9:30 a.m. at the church.  Following the Mass, procession and burial will take place at West Cemetery in Granby.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Maureen and Douglas L’Abbee to the Swift River Sportsmen's Club, 350 Cold Spring Road, Belchertown, MA 01007 or a donation in Memory of Douglas L’Abbee to the Random Acts of Kindness Group at Keystone Commons. Checks for the Random Acts of Kindness Group can be made out to Barbara Turcotte (she is in charge of this group) and mailed to Keystone Commons, 460 West Street, Ludlow, MA 01056.