Donald Labesky

Donald E. “Beck” Labesky, 85 of Kane Road, Sheffield, PA passed away June 29, 2023, surrounded by his children and reunited with his wife on their 60th anniversary.  He was born at home on June 11, 1938, on Tan Street, Sheffield, the youngest son of the late John Michalegko Labesky, Sr. and Ann Novak Labesky.

A 1956 Sheffield High School graduate, Don was a member of the 1955 Championship football squad and co-captain of the 1955-1956 undefeated basketball team.  Don made the Allegheny Mountain League Basketball All Star Team.  In 1955 & 1956 Honorable Mention for the Western PA and Southern NY All Star Team.

He served his country in the United States Army being stationed in Seoul, Korea.  Don began a career at National Forge Company, where he retired in 2000 after 43 years of service.

Don was a member of St. Michael’s Byzantine Catholic Church, past president of the St. Michael’s Advisory board, past treasurer of the Sheffield Sports Boosters, past Chairman of the Upper Allegheny Hot Stove Baseball Association.  In Sheffield, he served for 35 years as a coach for youth in baseball, football, and basketball.  In addition, he was a former Sheffield High School basketball coach. Don was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Sheffield VFW and the Rod and Gun Club.

Don was a devoted family man.  He married Lois E. Lugar on June 29, 1963, in Sheffield.  They were blessed with 52 years together before she preceded him in death on April 2, 2016.  He was an amazing caregiver to his wife.

Left behind to cherish Don’s memory are his three children: two sons, Matthew (Deborah) and Mark (Kristin) both of Warren; one daughter Laurie (Mark) Temple of Erie.  He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Allannah, Alicia, Alexa & Mitchell Labesky; Christopher and Kendra Udovich; Austrin, Gage & Beck Labesky; and five step grandchildren Gaby, Nick, Ryan, Hailey, and Ava; and one great grandson Lawson.  He is further survived by one brother, John Labesky, Jr. and one sister, Martha Seleni, and many nieces and nephews.  He was also preceded in death by his five sisters: Katharine Yasurek, Mary Piehuta, Julia Poe, Eva Steffan, and Joan Carr.

Don was passionate and quiet about giving back.  He volunteered and supported community events and fundraisers.  He was often seen with his two buddies who preceded him in death: Jack Haser and Martin Kasaback.  Beck positively impacted the Sheffield community, and he will be truly missed. 

A special thank you to Warren Davita Dialysis Center and Warren County Hospice.  Memorials may be made to the Sheffield Sports Boosters.

Don’s family will welcome family and friends on Monday, July 3, 2023, at the St. Michael’s Byzantine Catholic Church, School Street, Sheffield, PA from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  The Funeral Divine Liturgy will be held at 11:00 a.m. with Father David Bosnich as Celebrant.  Burial will follow at the St. Michael’s Cemetery.  Full military honors will be rendered by the Warren-Sheffield Honor Guard.

To leave an online condolence for Donald E. (Beck) Labesky, please visit www.bordenfuneralhome.com. All arrangements are under the care of the Borden Funeral Home of Sheffield, PA.  

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