John Francis Lebert, 84
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — John Francis Lebert (lovingly known as “Uncle Johnny”), 84, a North Adams resident, died Saturday, July 24, 2021, at BMC following a short illness.
Born in North Adams on September 23, 1936, the son of John and Eva LaPlante Lebert, he attended local schools.
As a young adult, Uncle Johnny was active in local sports, excelling at basketball and baseball, taking advantage of his 6’4” stature. He also enjoyed playing tennis and spent many summers as a caddy at Taconic Golf Club. He was a passionate fan of New England sports teams, particularly, the Boston Red Sox, whom he never missed watching a game.
In his words, “Uncle Sam called” in 1958 and he was drafted into the army, proudly serving until 1964. Afterwards, Uncle Johnny worked for years as an electrical apprentice for his cousin Terry, at LaPlante’s Electrical Services. Later on, he was a self-employed painter until his retirement. In retirement, Uncle Johnny spent countless hours volunteering, mostly at Harvest House Soup Kitchen.
Although Uncle Johnny did not hold any degrees, he was a voracious reader and could carry an intelligent conversation on any topic with folks from all walks of life. With an inventory of corny jokes and puns at the ready, he could never resist trying to get a laugh from anyone he met (regular favorites included “I’m gonna make like a tree and leave” and “see you in church if the windows are clean”).
Uncle Johnny was a keen outdoorsman and enjoyed walking for hours deep into the woods. He was an avid bird watcher, elated to catch get a glimpse of an indigo bunting or a scarlet tanager.
Uncle Johnny’s pride and joy was his extended family. He never missed a birthday, holiday, graduation, baseball game or any other activity. He enjoyed gift-giving and took pride in searching for just the right present. He was the friend that everyone deserves – always there at a moment’s notice, day or night.
There will never be another Uncle Johnny. His family has peace knowing he is in the presence of the Lord in heaven, having a joy-filled reunion with his brother, and all his family and friends that went before him.
He is survived by his sister, Virginia Boucher, and her husband Francis, of North Adams; and his sister-in-law, Pastor Linda Lebert, of Bennington, Vt. He is predeceased by his brother, Pastor Robert Lebert.
Uncle Johnny adored his nieces and nephews and their families: Francis & Melinda Boucher, Thomas & Donna Boucher, John & Jennifer Boucher, Laurie & Leland Burdick, Melissa & Robert Freiling, Adam & Jill Lebert, and Pastor Aaron & Nicole Lebert.
Family and friends are invited to the funeral to celebrate the life of John Lebert on Saturday, July 31st at 3 PM at Harvest Christian Ministries, 945 E Main St., Bennington VT, with his nephew, Pastor Aaron Lebert, officiating.
There are no calling hours and burial will be private. Donations may be made in his honor to Harvest House Soup Kitchen through Mahar and Son Funeral Home, 628 Main St., Bennington, VT 05201.
Guest book condolences may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.com.