Thomas Babe Rotolo

November 11, 1922 - September 21, 2008

Middletown, NY

Thomas Babe Rotolo, a lifetime resident of Middletown, died Sunday, September 21 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was 85.

The son of the late Victor and Caroline Barber Rotolo, he was born on November 11, 1922 at Thrall Hospital in Middletown.

He proudly served his country as an Aviation Metalsmith in the Navy from February 1942 to January 1946 in the South Pacific Theater during World War II. Along with is loving wife, Joan, Babe was a member of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Middletown. Babe helped run his family's business, the Half Moon, then retired from Orange County Dept. of Public Works after 37 years as an Administrative Manager. He was a dedicated member of the Mooners Rod and Gun Club, a lifetime member of B.P.O.E. #1097 in Middletown, and the American Legion Post 151.

A family statement reads: "Babe will be remembered by his family and friends as the life of the party, who never spoke an unkind word about anyone. He had an infectious smile and an understanding heart. His quiet wisdom and his eternal optimism will always be a part of us."

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Joan Timmer Rotolo; daughter, Susan Rotolo Worden and her husband, Darrin, and beloved grandson, Thomas, all of Middletown; nephew, Harry Rotolo, Jr. and his wife, Kathleen; nieces, Caroline Long of Virginia, Toni Kindberg and her husband, William of Florida, Hughette Smith and her husband, Joseph of Newburgh and Margaret Leardi and her husband, Anthony of Monroe; many great nieces and nephews and many loving and close friends.

Visitation hours are from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, September 24, at Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc., 130 Highland Avenue, Middletown.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 25, at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, 149 Cottage Street, Middletown, NY.

Burial with military honors will follow in the family plot in St. Joseph's Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Babe's name may be made to either St. Joseph's School, 113 Cottage Street, Middletown, NY 10940 or Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550.

Funeral arrangements under the direction of Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home; www.applebee-mcphillips.com.