Obituary of Ralph J. Babcock
Ralph James Babcock, 82, of Athens, PA, passed lovingly into the Lord's Kingdom at his home with his loving wife, Donna, his 5 devoted daughters, his son Christopher, and many of his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren beside him on May 2, 2019.
He was given the gift of life on August 30, 1936 in Sayre, PA born to the late Ralph Burton and Lavine Marie (Brown) Babcock.
Ralph was a Veteran of the US Navy, serving on the USS Saratoga. He was employed with the Ingersoll Rand in Athens, prior to his retirement. Following retirement, Ralph went to work for Dandy Mini Marts, Inc. Well known in the Valley area, he continued to make many new friends with employees and customers at Dandy. He was a member of the Church of the Epiphany, Sayre.
Ralph was rich in so many ways. He gave new meaning to the title of step-father in that he was revered as "DAD" for good reason. Ralph was a devoted husband, dad, grandpa and great-grandpa. He loved watching and playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He attended all their school plays, sporting events, and loved vacationing with family in FL and MO. Well known for his cooking, especially his famous spaghetti sauce as family gathered together for holidays, dinners, and picnics. Every Labor Day, Ralph would gather with family and friends where he loved to sing Karaoke, especially joining with his grandsons in their rendition of "Margaritaville." Ralph was an avid bowler, golfer, and card player with his dear friends.
He is predeceased by his sister, Jean Michaud and brothers, Russell Babcock, Sr. and Nelson Babcock.
Ralph is survived by his beloved and devoted wife having spent a wonderful marriage of 41 years together, Donna at home, daughters and sons-in-law, Donna and William Ellis of Sayre, PA, Sharon and Joseph Keenan of Waverly, NY, Darlene and Richard Borovicka of Bradenton, FL, and Bonnie and Rex Price of Springfield, MO, daughter, Debra Zurn of Waverly, NY, sons, Robert Babcock of MO, Ralph Babcock, Jr. of Chemung, NY, and Christopher Babcock of Millerton, PA, grandchildren, Jeff and Liz Ellis, Scott Keenan, Joey and Amanda Keenan, Joshua and Allyssa Keenan, Ryan Borovicka, Alex Borovicka, Crystal Rogers, Ashley Rogers and Grant Hastings, Jessica Frisbie and Joseph McCarthy, Megan and John Frisbie, Taisha Babcock, Samantha Babcock, Shawn Babcock, and Devin Babcock, great-grandchildren Sophia, Asher, Marec, Jace, Lexi, Elijah, Judah, Micah, Robbie, and Rylee. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Thomas and Sonja Babcock of Jackson, TN.
Family and friends may call on Sunday, May 5, 2019 from 6pm–8pm at the Jay E. Lowery Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Athens, PA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, May 7, 2019 at 9:30am at the Church of the Epiphany, 304 South Elmer Avenue, Sayre, PA with Rev. Andrew Hvozdovic.
Burial will be held at the convenience of the family.
