AUBURN — A Mass of Christian burial honoring the life Richard M. Labonte was celebrated by the Rev. Lionel Chouinard Friday afternoon, March 27, at Sacred Heart Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish.

At the beginning of Mass, Richard’s family draped his casket with a white burial pall, signifying Richard’s baptism into a new spiritual life with God.

During Mass, the scripture reading was proclaimed by Richard’s niece, Michelle McErlean, and the Offertory Gifts were brought to the altar by Richard’s nephew, Dylan Potvin, and Richard’s niece, Nysa Chartier. Words of Remembrance at Mass were shared by Richard’s brother, Normand Labonte.

Following a funeral procession to St. Peter’s Cemetery, Deacon Denis Mailhot recited committal prayers, followed by the song, “One More Day.” At the conclusion of services, Richard’s nephew, Mark Labonte, shared hunting stories about Richard, who was an avid hunter.

The pallbearers were Tim Bubier, Todd Brissom, Kendra and Mark Labonte, as well as Joshua Freeman and Dan Potvin.

Arrangements by Pinette Dillingham & Lynch Funeral Home of Lewiston.