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Joseph Anthony Labuta, a devoted family man, educator, and scholar, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 13, 2025, at his home in Saline, Michigan, at the age of 93.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Beverly Labuta, and his daughter Karen LaForge (John). Survivors include his loving wife Mary Labuta, his sons Joseph W. Labuta (Ray Esper), Steven Labuta (Claire) his grandchildren Jacqueline LaForge, Alexandra LaForge Uberti (John), Kyle Labuta (Tierney) and Kelly Labuta (Brandon), his great-grandchildren George, Stephen and Emilia Uberti, step-children Scott Orwig (Sarah), Amy Waddell (Kip), and step-grandchildren Harrison, Grace, Kennedy, Shepard Orwig and Ted Waddell.
Joe’s academic and professional life was devoted to music. He spent 35 years at Wayne State, where he served as the head of the music education department and authored four books, including the much-used textbook “Basic Conducting Techniques.”
In 2004, Joseph and his wife, Mary Labuta, founded the Saline New Horizons Band. Joseph also had a deep love for jazz trumpet, performing in various local groups throughout his life.
A Celebration of Joe’s Life will be held on Saturday, August 16th, where friends, family, and colleagues can gather to reminisce and celebrate his life. Please contact Jlabutacelebration@gmail.com for details. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joe’s name may be made to the Saline New Horizons Band, 1439 Wildwood Trail, Saline, MI 48176 or to Arbor Hospice, 2366 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. To leave a memory you have of Joe or to sign his online guestbook please visit www.rbfhsaline.com. Arrangements entrusted to the Robison-Bahnmiller Funeral Home of Saline.
Cloudy , with a high of 80 and low of 61 degrees. Cloudy during the morning, clear for the afternoon and evening,
No questions about the lack of inspections is alarming
Not to worry. I’m sure Ali will share her extensive knowledge of this subject (or any other subject for that matter) and will remind us that the city can do no wrong and that this situation is not due to negligence of any kind by the city!
Sorry you feel only those looking to condemn others and view situations in the most negative light possible even absent facts should be heard from.
And yet we need a lazy river, gathering places and other unnecessary things??? The city can’t supply us with clean water and now maybe no water at all. How does this even make any sense? City Government continues to fail Saline taxpayers! Maybe we need to hire more consultants and spend even more money 🤪.
Not a great situation and not mad at the City. City administrators have done their job. Well 7 was introduced and under construction to meet the needs of the City.
You obviously think the city bears no responsibility ever for anything! That’s ok. You can continue to point fingers, deny accountability and make excuses but what I know is that when I pay my water bill it’s made out to “The City of Saline” so as far as I’m concerned the buck ultimately stops there!
So has the rec center been included in reducing water usage? How about the 4 car wash businesses?
I would like to hear more about that point. Seems very valid . I assume they are clear to use as much as they wish while we are told to use less.
The rec center sent out emails asking members to take either brief showers or wait until they get home.