John Babka

BABKA, Dr. John Christopher of Belleair, 78, joined his heavenly Father on August 10, 2022. His wife, Robin Hazard, was the love of his life and his rock for 53 years. Born in Cleveland, OH on November 12, 1943, his parents John J. Babka Jr. and Elaine Marley raised him in St. Clairsville, OH. He earned a congressional appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, where he excelled. He graduated from The Ohio State University College of Medicine in 1968, and he completed training in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Endocrinology at Naval Hospitals in Philadelphia and Bethesda. He was executive officer of Bethesda Naval Hospital and commanding officer of Pensacola Naval Hospital. Throughout his career he developed numerous programs to expand and improve hospital operation, many of which survive to this day. After retirement from the Navy, he became Vice President of Medical Affairs/Chief Medical Officer of Morton Plant Hospital. He received multiple awards for quality of care and was recognized nationally. He was a fellow of the American College of Physicians, a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, and a Distinguished Fellow (one of two that year) of the American College of Physician Executives. For a time, he was the only person to simultaneously hold all three of these prestigious fellowships. John was an enthusiastic learner who excelled in many areas. He coached youth soccer for years and was a U.S. swimming referee and judge locally and nationally for decades, officiating at four U.S. Olympic Trials. He was a committed distance runner, completing the Boston Marathon in 1982. He was a faithful Catholic, serving as Lector, Eucharistic Minister, and Bible Study Leader. He was a Knight Grand Cross in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. He was also a gifted cook and gardener, filling the family home with food and orchids. His two children, John Joseph Babka III (deceased 1995) and Katherine Anne Babka, were the joy of his life. He is survived by his wife, Robin; his daughter, Kate (Michael Ruzicka); and his sister, Jill Fisher (Alan). Visitation 1-2 pm, Sunday, August 14, at Hubbell Funeral Home, 499 N. Indian Rocks Road, Belleair Bluffs. Funeral mass 10 am, Monday, August 15, at St. Cecelia Church. Hubbell Funeral Home