Jacob Labate

Jacob M. LaBate, 84 of Amsterdam, New York, passed away peacefully Wednesday August 21, 2013 at home.

Born in Amsterdam on May 8, 1929, he was the son of the late Annunziato “James” and Maria St. Angelo LaBate.

Jake received his education in the Amsterdam school system and was a 1947 graduate of Wilbur H. Lynch High School. He also graduated from Siena College and played on the basketball team. As part of the G.I. Bill, he pursued his Masters in Education. He served in the Korean Conflict with the United States Army and was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant; Jake was responsible for communications operations behind the front lines. After returning home from the service, he was employed by the Greater Amsterdam School District as a teacher and later as Truant Officer until his retirement.

Jake was a former parishioner and communicant of St. Michael the Archangel Church and currently St. Mary’s Church in Amsterdam.

Jake was a member of Columbian Social Club and the Amsterdam Municipal Golf Course.

His wife Rita Cardarella LaBate to whom he was married for 44 years predeceased Jake in 2010.
Jake is survived by his daughter, Lynn Martin (John) of Saratoga Springs, NY, two stepchildren, Bruce VanBuren of Amsterdam and Tracy Sherlock (Rick ) of Amsterdam, two brothers, Peter C. LaBate of Amsterdam and Joseph P. LaBate of Dolgeville, NY; two sisters, Mary LaBate and Madeline Van Allen both of Amsterdam, granddaughters, grandsons and many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Jake was also predeceased by five brothers, John F. LaBate, Michael A. LaBate Anthony J. “Boston” LaBate, Harry T. LaBate and Samuel C. LaBate and one sister, Carmela J. Caddell.

It was Jake’s wishes to have his remains enrolled into the Anatomical Gift Program at Albany Medical College.

There are no prior calling hours or funeral services scheduled at this time. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date and time to be announced.

Memorial gifts in Jake’s name may be made to the American Heart Association, 440 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205-3810 or to the American Diabetes Association, 2 Pine West Plaza. Albany, NY 12205.
Arrangements are by the Riley Mortuary, Inc. 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, NY. 12010.