John V. LaBarge

John LaBarge was born with humble beginnings on January 20th, 1952. A third-generation Vermonter, John was raised by his parents in Burlington, VT. At age nineteen, John had a vision of a future life on the Champlain Islands in Grand Isle, Vermont, where he purchased a small plot of land overlooking the lake. This would be his home for the next forty-four years. John married Kitty LaBarge in August of 1975. John and Kitty raised three children, Jason, Laura, and Christina.

John had many successful career ventures. In 1984, the family started the only video rental business on the Islands, Island Video, which they successfully ran for twenty-two years. John was also an active member of his community, volunteering for schoolboard, starting Champlain Island Flying Club, acting and directing in the local theater community, South Hero Players, and working for Allenholm Farms.

John was always a proud Vermonter, and in 1991, John became the state representative for Grand Isle County in the Vermont statehouse. During his ten-year tenure, John was Minority Leader for two years and Majority Leader for six years. As a Representative, John was honored to serve his constituents in his county and state, which he loved so much. Upon his retirement, John continued to work for the State Department of Transportation for fifteen years before fully retiring in 2017.

John, above all else, was a loving father and husband. He enjoyed friends, family, nature, and his many hobbies, including horology, writing, photography, camping, and woodworking. John is survived by his wife, Kitty. His son Jason, and wife Tenley, his daughter Laura and her husband Dan, and his daughter Chrissy and her husband Dan. As well as his adoring grandchildren, granddaughter Madelyn, and six grandsons, Peyton, William, Calvin, Carter, Eric, and Henry. In addition, he is survived by his sister Pat, brother-in-law Roger, two nephews, Kevin and Darren, their spouses and children, and many caring friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family is encouraging donations to the McClure Miller Respite House in thanks for their excellent care. Donations can be made online here or by mail UVM Health Network – Home Health & Hospice, Attn: Maya Fehrs, 1110 Prim Road, Colchester, Vermont 05446. A Celebration of John's life will be planned for July 2025, notices will be put in the Islander, BFP, and front page forum as the family finalizes plans.