Dennis A. LaBonte passed away Thursday March 5th at the North Adams Commons. He was born November 26, 1951 in North Adams to Alfred “Elmer” & Mable (Pratt) LaBonte.

Dennis grew up in North Adams and graduated Drury High School in the Class of 1971. While at Dury he was on the Cross Country Team and Baseball Team, where he earned the nickname “Yaz” as the left-handed first basemen.

In September 1972 he started his work career at Williams College, he was cook in Dining Services. He met many people during his 38 years (retiring in July 2010). One particular story he loved to share was, how he met Mr. George Steinbrenner and scored box seat tickets to a Yankee game at Yankee Stadium. He was a die-hard Boston Red Sox fan but his wife at the time was a Yankee fan.

Over the years he enjoyed golfing, bowling, playing cards, bingo, watching New England Sports teams & especially playing his lucky keno numbers. (He was often seen at Extra Mart in North Adams with his “Coffee” buddies). Dennis was a jokester, loved to tell a good joke, play a trick and living up to his name “Dennis the Menace”

He was a 43 year member of the North Adams Elks #487.

He was a kind hearted person always trying to help others out in need. In 1983 he started cooking at the “Be our Guest Christmas Dinner” at the North Adams American Legion Post 125. For 38 years he worked in the kitchen prepping and cooking the meals for community members that had no where to go. Making sure they had a place to come eat, socialize and not be alone on Christmas day. He retired his spatula to the next generation in December of 2021.

He leaves behind his daughter Nicole “Nicki” Renaud (Steve H. Haskins), grandson Tyler Haskins all of North Adams. A granddaughter Amelia Renaud (Devin Briggs) of the state of Florida. His sister Rosetta “Rose” and brother-in-law Roger Rondeau, two nephews Kevin & Roger Jr all of Stamford, VT. His best friend Roberta Ferrara of Plymouth, MA and many cousins.

The family of Dennis would like to thank the staff of North Adams Commons, especially the activities department and the 2nd floor aids and nurses that took care of him and put up with his shenanigans.

Calling hours will be Tuesday March 17, 2026 from 5pm to 7pm at Flynn and Dagnoli West Chapels, 521 West Main St. North Adams, MA.

Burial will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to funeral home. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.