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John Babcock - Class of 1957

Submitted by Fran Olson Gustafson 1965 <fgustafson917@gmail.com> on 30/Apr/2025
71.223.144.36

      John Thomas Babcock Sr., known to just about everyone as Jack, passed away peacefully with his family by his side — which was probably the only way he ever sat still. Born, raised, and proudly rooted in New Windsor, NY, Jack was a man who loved as deeply as he was stubborn, and he had a hammer in his hand for most of his 85 years. If something was broken, Jack was either fixing it or telling you it couldn't be fixed — "Abandon the idea!" as he liked to say.

Jack made his grand entrance into the world right in the dining room of his New Windsor home on July 20, 1939, the son of Elmer and Marion (Mills) Babcock. A proud graduate of Newburgh Free Academy's class of 1957 and a member of the New York Army National Guard, Jack went on to build more than just things — he built a life of service, devotion, and perfectly level door frames.

He retired after 25 years as Facility Manager of Cornwall Central School District, a job he truly loved (and managed like a military operation). He was also President of the New York State Association of Facility Managers.

But if you really wanted to see Jack beam with pride, mention the New Windsor Fire Department Quassaick Engine Company. He held nearly every role there — including Past Chief — and wore his firefighter's heart on his sleeve. If you could think of a title, Jack probably held it. Jack was a lifelong member of the Orange County Volunteer Firemen's
Association, the Orange County Fire Chiefs Association, the Hudson Valley Firemen's Association, and he served on the board of directors for the Fireman's Museum in Goshen. When Jack committed to something, he didn't just join — he showed up, tools in hand, ready to fix, lead, or organize.

Jack is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Angela (Bugiada) Babcock — who not only loved him, but put up with him (a different kind of love altogether). He leaves behind his sons John "Jack" Babcock Jr. and Keith Babcock (married to Christie Orlando-Babcock), and a proud legacy in his grandchildren: Matthew (Amanda), Chris (Becky), John Jr. (Mia), Anthony, Amber (Clay), Brandon, Jason, and Vincenzo Orlando. His great-grandchildren — Colton, Jaxxon, Kaido, and Ian (arriving in July) — will one day hear the stories of the man who could build anything… except a day off.

Jack is also survived by his siblings: Shirley (Babcock) Early predeceased by her husband Jack Early, Edward (Gert) Babcock, and Donald (Phyllis) Babcock, and a family tree full of nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws too numerous to list but can be found on Ancestry.com.

He now rejoins his parents, Elmer and Marion, and his siblings George (Jenny), Robert (Joanne), Marion (Al LeMunyan), and Billy (Anne), no doubt organizing a work crew in heaven and checking to see if the pearly gates need adjusting.

A memorial service will be held Sunday at Brooks Funeral Home in Newburgh, NY, from 2 to 5 p.m. — tools not required.

In lieu of flowers, please fix something in your house that you told someone you'd fix months ago — in memory of Jack. He'd like that. And so would the person you promised.

Thank you to everyone who's shared in Jack's life, loved the Babcock family, or ever handed Jack a wrench. He built a good life — and it was square, level, and rock solid. - July 20, 1939 ~ April 29, 2025