Joseph John LaBanca 76, was born January 19, 1947, to Joseph Olindo LaBanca and Maria Magdalena Diaz LaBanca in Brownsville, Texas. His family relocated to San Antonio where his father worked at Kelly Air Force Base as a machinist and his mother worked as head waitress at The Manhattan restaurant downtown. He attended Highlands High School but left before graduation to join the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He served almost two years and earned an Honorable Discharge. After he left the Navy, he returned to San Antonio where he married Patricia Ann Moore and had two beautiful daughters, Michelle Jeannine LaBanca, and Kristina Marie LaBanca. In 1977, Patricia perished in an automobile accident leaving him with two young girls.
He later met Pamela Ruth Barney, they married in 1978 and had daughter Stephanie Nichole’ LaBanca and son Robbie Joe LaBanca.
Joseph was known to his family and friends as “Buster” and as “Bumpie” to his grandchildren Hannah Kristen Koch, Hunter Daniel Koch, and Ryann Ibañez.
Joseph worked for the Austin State School as a lab tech, for Montgomery Ward as a salesperson in the Garden Center, and for Prudential Insurance Company as a salesperson, staff manager, and District manager. He was last employed as a car salesperson, which he dearly loved, selling Cadillacs, Jeeps, Chevrolets, and Dodges. In all his employment, he excelled, was a top producer, and won many awards.
Above all else, he loved his family - immediate, extended, and chosen. It was not unusual for him to open his home to those in need. He was a real people person and enjoyed just sitting and watching people as his wife and children shopped at the mall. He enjoyed Coca-cola cold in the can, his morning and afternoon coffee (black with sugar), and watching football games including his grandson’s middle school team, the Texas Longhorns, and the Dallas Cowboys. He also loved watching his granddaughter play softball from age five through college.
He loved to go to Vegas and the Oklahoma casinos. One of his favorite things was the love he held for his pups, Jake, Wookie, and Joe Joe. He enjoyed walking them and taking them on trips. He was looking forward to teaching his grandson Hunter to drive the stick shift 2002 Ford Ranger he bought him for his 14th birthday so he could drive it when he turned 16. He was very proud of the fact he was able to purchase his granddaughter Hannah her dream car, a Dodge Challenger.
His greatest joy came from his nearly 45-year marriage to Pam whom he loved with all his heart and followed his wedding vows as he spoke them to her “Until death, do us part.”
He was so proud of, Michelle for inheriting his love of people and her success in interior design, historical preservation, and real estate, of Kristina “Tina” for inheriting his love of sales and exceeding others as a top salesperson in each position she held, for Stephanie for inheriting his gift of gab to people and his work ethic of always showing up day-after-day even as a single mother to provide for her family (the fact she worked at the Cowboy stadium on home games was a plus), and for Robbie Joe who brought his love of music to fruition as a singer, composer, and a graduate of the University of Texas. He was also very proud of Hannah and her commitment to her education and love of softball, and Hunter for his ability to point out any car and tell you all about it down to the last bolt.
Buster loved his six siblings Marion, Elizabeth, Jeanette, Anthony, Michael, and Rebecca very dearly and all his nieces and nephews as well as his brothers and sisters-in-law on both sides of his family. Buster loved and was loved by his in-laws Robbie and Tina always known to him as “Mama”. He never complained about the time Pam spent with them and welcomed “Mama” into his home as Pam cared for her in the last two and a half years of her life.
Buster was defeated when his mother passed and forever carried the loss in his heart but rarely let it show. He was a quiet gentleman, devoted to his family, very giving to others, and well-liked. He will be forever missed by many.
Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, wife Patricia, sister Elizabeth Reina, brother-in-law, Maurice Barney, great-niece Lindsey Beth Ochoa, and nephew Joshua Joe Reina. They are now reunited.
Joseph was cremated in accordance with his wishes. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date chosen by his family. A portion of his remains will be scattered on the beaches of Port Aransas.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Heart Association or an animal rescue of your choice.
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