Richard E. Babyak

Richard Edward (Rick) Babyak, 80 years old, passed away April 3, 2023. Rick was born on September 28, 1942 in Northampton, MA, and was the older son of Andrew Edward and Lydia (Cervonayco) Babyak, who lived in the Mount Tom section of Easthampton, MA. He attended and graduated from Easthampton public elementary and high schools, and after studying briefly at UMASS, enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard. He was stationed in New York City and worked out of the U.S. Custom House at Bowling Green. While in the Coast Guard, he became trained as a machinist, a vocation he pursued upon his honorable discharge from active service. He worked his entire career at the Westfield Gage Company in Westfield, MA, and moved up the ranks from a floor machinist to a purchasing manager. He also served as a part-time police officer in Southampton. He retired in 2008.

Rick is survived by Jeanne (Shepard) Babyak, his loving wife of 57 years; and his two sons, Grant (Nicole) Babyak of Bronxville, NY and Craig (Julie) Babyak of Southampton, MA.  He cherished his five grandchildren (Andrew, Chris, Eliza, Jacqueline and Matthew) and they adored their Papa. Rick is also survived by his brother, James Babyak of Pompano Beach, FL, and his nieces Melissa and Bethany.

Rick was a lifelong resident of Southampton, MA. From a community perspective, Rick spent nearly a decade as a baseball coach of local little league and senior league teams; and maintained an avid interest in youth sports. He was happiest in the stands of any sporting event and took great pride in the athletic accomplishments of his grandchildren. He was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Easthampton and dedicated considerable time and effort to many church projects. He was a kind soul who put his family and friends first and he will be missed deeply.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 8th, 2023 at 11:00am at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2 Clark Street, Easthampton, MA.

Donations in his memory can be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Easthampton MA, or Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice, 168 Industrial Drive, Northampton, MA 01060.

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