John T. Babcock

1932 - 2017

John T. Babcock
Retired Rigger for Textron Co.

TEWKSBURY -- John T. Babcock, age 85, a resident of Tewksbury for 56 years, formerly of Groton, passed away at home, with his family by his side on Tuesday, May 23, 2017.

He was the beloved husband of Shirley F. (Jamieson) Babcock, who passed away on May 13, 2015.

Born in Groton on January 30, 1932, he was the son of the late William J. Babcock and the late Theresa J. (Fray) Babcock.

John was raised in Groton and attended Groton schools.

In 1951, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served during the Korean War. John was awarded several decorations for his active duty service including the Korean Service Medal with three stars, the United Nations Service Medal (Korea), and the National Defense Service Medal.

Following his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, he worked in the trucking industry.

Prior to his retirement in 1988, he was employed as a rigger for AVCO Systems and the Textron Company in Wilmington.

John enjoyed spending time with his family especially his grandchildren, at their cottage on Long Lake in Maine.

John was a proud supporter of several Korean War Organizations, participated in numerous Korean War dedication ceremonies, and marched in many Memorial Day parades. In addition, he was a member of the Tewksbury V.F.W. Post # 8164 and the Tewksbury D.A.V. Post # 110.

John is survived by his five children, survived by five children, Dennis J. Babcock of Manchester, NH, Mark A. Babcock and his wife Brenda of Tyngsboro, Donna M. Hamilton and her husband Steven of Wilmington, Diane S. Redus and her husband Jack of Hollis, NH and Mary M. Sullivan of Wilmington; twelve grandchildren, Adam, Alex, Jonathan, and Leanne Babcock, Sarah and Eric Hamilton, Kelly Nelson, Christopher, Zachary, and Daniel Redus, Kelsey and Meghan Sullivan; two great granddaughters, Lydia and Lorelei; one sister, Gertrude Boisseau and her husband Richard of Westchester Canal, OH; one brother, Joseph Babcock and his wife Diane of Royal Oak, MI; also many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

John was the father of the late Theresa A. Babcock, and was predeceased by one sister and three brothers.

BABCOCK -- John T. Calling hours are Friday, May 26, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury, followed by his graveside service at 1:30 p.m. at the Tewksbury Cemetery, 172 East St., Tewksbury. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Tewksbury V.F.W. Post 8164, 87 Vernon Street, Tewksbury, MA 01876, the Tewksbury D.A.V Post 110, 180 Pond St., Tewksbury, MA 01876 or to a veterans charity of your choice. www.farmeranddee.com.