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On Nov. 23 Louis A. Labanara, Sr., 99, of Madison passed peacefully at Connecticut Hospice. Born in New Haven Nov. 8, 1919, Lou was the son of Archille and Julia Labanara. He was predeceased by his loving wife Kathryn of 60 years, his oldest son Robert of South Windsor, and his brother Arthur of West Haven. He leaves behind his brother Edward of Avila Beach, California; and five sons, Paul of Standish, Maine, Mark and Theresa of Stony Brook, New York, Philip and Nancy of Madison, David and Lisa of Madison, and Louis Jr. and Diane of Chaplin. Lou is also survived by twelve grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

He was a 37-year employee of the New Haven Register Publishing Co. and the New Haven Newspapers Credit Union. Lou was a lifelong spokesman and advocate for the Credit Union movement and its principles, holding leadership positions at the state, regional, and national levels over a span of 35 years. He was an active member of the Credit Union National Association and served as a director of the CUNA Supply Corporation before he retired in 1993.

A WWII veteran Lou enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1941 and served with the 68th CA (AA) Battalion in Casablanca, French Morocco, and North Africa. His outfit took part in campaigns in Sicily, Foggia, Rome Arno, North Appenines, and the Po Valley. He was a sargent technician and was honorably discharged in 1945.

Lou, an avid golfer, was a member of Madison Country Club for 40 years, where he cherished many friendships. He was a parishioner of Saint Margaret’s in Madison.

Lou enjoyed spending time with his family, friends, and neighbors, and working in his yard. He was a loyal fan of UConn men’s and women’s basketball programs. He lived a full life and will be deeply missed.

His family is grateful to the staff and caregivers at the Hearth at Tuxis Pond, where Lou resided for the last two and a half years.

A Mass of Christian burial will take place on Dec. 29 at 10 a.m. in Saint Margaret’s Church, 24 Academy St., Madison. Burial with full military honors will follow at West Cemetery. There will be no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to The Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405, in memory of Louis A. Labanara, Sr.