Saratoga Springs, NY - Judge Lawrence John LaBelle, whose birth name was Laurence Anthony LaBelle, broke out of the "Starting Gate" on his Fathers birthday, January 20, 1928 at The DeVivo House on the corner of Oak and Walnut in Saratoga Springs, NY. He was born, lived and resided in Saratoga Springs his entire life until "Crossing the Finish Line" on June 20, 2018.

Larry "Labe" as his friends called him or "Renzi" as his Grandfather called him; graduated from Saratoga Springs High School in 1945, where he played basketball and was involved in several clubs; he received a B.S. Degree from Siena College in 1949 where he also played basketball. In 1952, he graduated with a Law degree from St. John's University in NYC (he chose St. John's because it was close to race tracks Belmont and Aqueduct). He was accepted to the New York Bar Association in 1953, and in 1954 while working for the Home Title Guarantee Company in NYC, received a call from his brother, informing him that their father was ill which brought Larry back to Saratoga where he, his brother Charles and Father launched the family law firm together on Broadway.

In his youth, Judge LaBelle dreamed of being a jockey so he headed down the road to race track life working as an exercise and out-rider for the Hall of Fame Trainer, Horatio Luro. The Judge always said his claim to fame was putting the bridle on the famous thoroughbred Princequillo. Ultimately choosing the law profession, in his later years he had the privilege of owning/investing in the horse industry which finally got him a win at Saratoga; then further had a race named "The Judge LaBelle" gifted by his daughter Anne Marie. He was also named an Honorary member of the Turf Writers Assoc.

Judge LaBelle, the West Side son, was a devout Catholic (those who knew him, knew he collected Rosaries from everywhere he traveled); he was founder and President of the New York State Association of City Court Judges in 1972 and President 1981-82; he was President of the Saratoga Springs Kiwanis; established the LaBelle Enterprises Realty Company, a Member (Old Timer of the Year in 1997) and Past Exalted Ruler (1969) of the Saratoga-Wilton Benevolent Protective Order of Elks Lodge 161 and a Life Member of The Principessa Elena Society, an Italian organization founded by his Grandfather Pasquale LaBella, an Italian immigrant, who changed the families last name, dropping the "a" due to extreme prejudice at that time. Judge LaBelle often spoke of changing the name back; he was very proud of his Italian roots!

Judge LaBelle would often boast that LaBelle and LaBelle – Attorneys at Law, was the "Oldest running act on Broadway!". Running over 90 years, which included his Grandfather Pasquale, a court interpreter for the Italians; his Father, Judge Anthony Joseph LaBelle, the fourth Judge of Saratoga from 1934-1950; Larry was appointed the Acting City Court Judge of Saratoga 1964-1969, then ran unopposed for six terms. He said one of the highlights of his career was when the American Bar Association was founded in his courtroom in Saratoga Springs in the 1870's, then returning to celebrate the Centennial.

Judge LaBelle took pride presiding on the bench for over 30 years for the people of Saratoga; at the age of 70 law stipulations require that judges step down; however, his law practice was in full swing and he was still able to officiate Weddings, something that he loved! In the court room he was quoted "When people in trouble walk through those doors, they are never happy to be here, but I hope they leave knowing they have been treated with respect and above all, fairness." Both portraits of Judge LaBelle and his Father are displayed with other Saratoga Officials in the court room of City Hall.

If you were ever lucky enough to visit Judge LaBelle at his law practice or Judges chambers, then you know there are too many accolades to mention and probably more horse racing and NY Yankees memorabilia than Law Books! His passion for the Yankees and horse racing was undeniable! His favorite time of year was the August Racing Meet, he would hold "court" at his box at the track with his fedora in place and wearing a different pastel suit everyday – you always knew when the Judge showed up because the seats in his Box were full; then after the races it was off to the Reading Room, honking his car horn the whole way which sounded the "Call to the Post"… His cell ring tone was the same and it drove his daughters crazy! He was a Character with a great sense of humor and a Big Personality, he loved to entertain and every August the Villa Balsamo had the Judges table ready! Although, well-traveled, Italy was his favorite; however, in the off season of Saratoga, he'd say "Sarasota, Florida is my Shangri La!" then off he'd go for many weeks a year since the late 70s, while not missing the Saratoga Day at Tampa Bay Downs and daily Mass at St. Martha's!

Judge LaBelle kept Public Service at the forefront of his life, he never knew a stranger and everyone he met felt special. The streets of Saratoga Springs will miss his "Hi Ya Pal!"

As Dad would say "Saratoga Springs! The GREATEST City in the world"!
Dad, you were our "Man O' War" in a crisis and the "Bold Ruler" in our lives but…you always "Affirmed" how much you loved us! Dad, you have run a GREAT Race! And no matter what… You did it YOUR way!... Start Spreadin' the news!... Here comes the Judge! We will always love and miss you! The "Winners Circle" just got bigger!

Judge Lawrence John LaBelle is survived by 4 daughters. He married Margurite Simone of Ballston Spa, NY, October 27,1957; they had 3 daughters: Anne Marie Mitchell, Suzanne LaBelle of Oklahoma City, OK (who never beat Dad at checkers: "Suzanne, are you sure you want to move that there?") and Carol Anne Karlin of Oklahoma City, OK. He married Cheryl Northrup of Saratoga Springs, NY; they had 1 daughter: Tracey LaBelle-Wright, her husband Brian and son Dane reside in Saratoga Springs with a grandson, Jax Lawrence on the way. Also, 5 grandsons and 1 great granddaughter; sister in-law Janet LaBelle, cousins Mary Beth Printsky, Fran LaBelle, and many more cousins, nieces and one nephew. He is preceded in death by generations of his Italian family, his older brother Charles and younger brother John.

The family would like to express a heartfelt thank you, and are grateful for, Dad's many friends throughout Saratoga Springs, the Racing community, his friends at the VFW and the many places he'd frequent. We are grateful for Kariann Deno, Dad's Caregiver and friend; Bob Schrade, Sonny Taylor, Don Morehouse and Bobby Brooks-BBs Pizza! Also, The Gorman Family, Sully and The Inn at Longfellows for their gracious hospitality hosting a family member traveling from out of town to care for Dad; and of course, The Principessa Elena Society - the history with our family is very special - Dad would be very proud.

And lastly, Everett and Jeanetta Dobson of Oklahoma City, OK… you make great Saratogians! Thank you for being Dad's friend! Words cannot express the deep appreciation for helping us down Dad's "Homestretch"!

A wake will be held at William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing and Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY on Friday, June 22 from 4-7pm.

Officers and members of Saratoga-Wilton Elks will meet at 6pm Friday at the Burke Funeral Home for their ritual.

A Mass will be offered in St. Mary's Catholic Church, 167 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa, NY on Saturday, June 23 at 11:30am.

We will celebrate Judge LaBelle, our Dad's life at the Principessa Elena Society, 13 Oak St., Saratoga Springs, NY on Saturday, June 23 at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, please make a charitable donation to the Saratoga Warhorse (saratogawarhorse.com), in the name of the Honorable Lawrence John LaBelle.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.