Donald Howard Larrabee, 81, passed away on Saturday, May 20, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Niagara Falls, NY on July 8, 1941, the son of Howard and Mildred (Owler) Larrabee. Don graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 1959 before serving in the United States Navy. He went on to receive his AAS in Chemistry from NCCC. Don spent most of his career at TAM Ceramics until his retirement in 2003.
Don and his wife Suzanne (Hickox) Larrabee were married on March 10, 1962, and together they were blessed with three children. The couple settled in Niagara Falls but continued to spend many of their summer days at the family property on Lake Ontario. The pair built their retirement home on that property and Don enjoyed his daily walks along the beach.
Don was a long-time member of Pierce Avenue Presbyterian Church until it disbanded and now is a faithful member of St. John Lutheran Church in Youngstown, NY. For many years, Don was an active member of the Boy Scouts of America acting as Institutional Representative with the troops at Pierce Avenue Presbyterian Church. He also was an amateur radio operator, WB2UQA, and member of Lockport ARA. Don was a skilled handyman and tinkerer and put his skilled hands to use supporting the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum in his retirement. He was also a member of the Vintage Aircraft Group that is now associated with the Niagara Aerospace Museum. Don's love of planes and flying resulted in him getting his private pilot's license at age 55. Don and Sue loved to travel and enjoyed many trips to beautiful destinations with beloved friends and family.
Don is survived by his wife, Suzanne; his three children, Diana J. Larrabee (Lawrence Williams), William D. Larrabee (Elizabeth), and Beth S. Keiper (Keith); and five grandchildren, Matthew, Owen, Jacob, James and Addison. He is predeceased by his parents, Howard and Mildred Larrabee, and his sister and brother-in-law, Carole and James VanOrman. Don is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Don was loved and cherished by many and will be missed.
Calling hours will be held on THURSDAY from 3-7 PM. at the HARDISON FUNERAL HOMES INC., 3648 Ransomville Rd., Ransomville, NY 14131. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM. on FRIDAY at St. John Lutheran Church, 420 Lockport St., Youngstown, NY 14174. Burial will be in Niagara Falls Memorial Park.
The family asks in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, PO Box 365, Youngstown, NY 14174, Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum, 180 Thompson Street, North Tonawanda, NY 14120, or a charity of your choice. Please visit www.hardisonfuneralhomes.com
https://obituaries.niagara-gazette.com/obituary/donald-larrabee-1087994644​