Paul LaBar

Paul LaBar, 87 of Southbury, CT, to our deep sadness, passed away August 23, 2018. Paul was an interesting and strong person, valued by many and beloved by his family.

Raised in Bangor, PA, Paul was the middle of three children born to the late Paul Reuben LaBar and Ruth Stiles LaBar. A 1948 graduate of Bangor High School, he then attended Penn State University where he earned a degree in forestry management. Paul and his wife Louise Emma DeFrank moved to the Washington, DC area when a college photography course led to a position with the predecessor of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration providing photogrammetry for mapping. Later, he joined the United States Defense Department’s National Reconnaissance Office as a photo interpreter and imagery analyst. This was the first in a series of positions he held in the intelligence field, culminating with his appointment as the first Executive Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency. Along the way, he played a role in the development of cameras for the SR-71 “Blackbird,” early spy satellites and the first digital cameras. Paul also served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy and earned a Master’s Degree from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, one of the nation’s six military colleges. After his service with the U.S. government ended, Paul worked for General Electric for several years before retiring.

Paul and Louise then moved to Lake Monticello, VA where they quickly settled into an active life of leisure. Paul was an energetic member of the Lake Monticello community and St. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, where he and his wife made many lasting friendships. An avid fisherman and duck carver, he was also a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and greatly enjoyed singing in several choral groups. At home, Paul loved entertaining visitors from far and wide. He was always quick with a pun and reveled in discussing economics and global politics. He moved to Southbury, CT in 2017 to live with his daughter.

Paul was preceded in death by Louise, his cherished wife of 60 years, siblings Jean Marie Wilt and Robert LaBar, and his daughter-in-law of 30 years, Lauren. He is survived by his son Paul Raymond LaBar of Burleson, TX, his wife Ashley and grandsons Paul Robert and Craig Daniel and his wife Amanda, and step-grandchildren Hunter and Ayden; his son Stephen LaBar of Manassas, VA, his wife Linda and their daughter Danielle LaBar-Dietz and her husband Andrew; and his daughter Nannette Dorsey of Southbury, CT, her husband Gregory and their children Bridget and Erin.

A viewing will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 1, 2018 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, 3rd Ave & Garibaldi Sts, in Roseto, PA, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11:00.

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