Labella Tribute

LaBELLA JOHN CARL, 52, died March 4, 2002. A devoted husband

and father, John also was a respected and admired radio personality.

His deep passion for radio was evidenced by the energy, dedication

and unshakable level of professionalism he brought to his craft. Born

May 18, 1949, in New Britain, Conn., John graduated from the

University of Hartford in 1972 where he also began his broadcasting

career in 1968 at WWUH, the college radio station. After working at

several stations in Connecticut including WHCN, John moved to

Houston in 1977 where he worked for KLOL. In 1978 he moved to

Dallas to work at KZEW (The Zoo) and became part of the legendary

morning team of LaBella and Rody. Following working at KZEW, John

fulfilled a life-long dream when he moved back to Connecticut to work

at WTIC in Hartford. Drawn to Texas in 1992 by the opportunity to

work at KZPS, John worked at The Arrow (KRRW), B-97.9 and spent

the last several years doing the morning show on KMEO - Memories

96.7. John is survived by his beloved wife of eight years, Beth, and his

adored 7-year-old daughter, Elise. He also is survived by his mother,

Ruth LaBella of Middletown, Ct, his sister, Christine Sirigos of

Portland, Ct., mother-and-father-in-Law, Bea and Frank Brundrett of

Kemp. Texas, nephews Justin, David & Stephen Short and George

Sirigos, as well as numerous other loving relatives. He was preceded

in death by his father, Dr. Louis LaBella and his brother, Michael. A

celebration of John's life will be held Saturday, March 9, at 1 p.m. at

Lovers Lane United Methodist Church., Inwood and Northwest

Highway. The Rev. David Howeth and the Rev. Ben Marshall

officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday, March 8 from 6 to

7:30 p.m. at Sparkman-Hillcrest Funeral Home. Memorials may be

made to the LaBella Scholarship Fund, c/o Bank of Texas, 6701

Preston Road, Dallas, Texas 75205, the Environmental Defense Fund,

or Operation Kindness in memory of John Carl LaBella.

Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home Cemetery Mausoleum 7405 W.

Northwest Highway Dallas (214) 363-5401