Michael G. Babul

WESTWOOD – Michael Garrett Babul, 47, of Westwood, MA, formerly of North Attleboro, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, December 30, 2024, while visiting El Paso, TX.

Born on November 25, 1977, in Attleboro, MA, Mike was the beloved son of Michael J. Babul and the late Joan T. (Acheson) Babul.

Mike spent his early childhood in South Attleboro and Attleboro before moving to North Attleboro in fourth grade, where he graduated from North Attleboro High School in 1996. A standout athlete, Mike excelled in basketball, earning the Gatorade Player of the Year award for Massachusetts and a spot on the National Parade All-American fourth team in his senior year.

He continued his basketball career at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he was a three-time A-10 All-Defensive Team member, a four-time Academic All-American, and co-captain of the Minutemen. In 2000, he graduated with a bachelor's degree in sports management.

Mike's basketball journey spanned decades, coaching Division I men's college basketball at the University of Memphis, Youngstown State University, Drexel University, the University of Texas El Paso, Auburn University, and Wagner College. He also spent a year with the Brooklyn Nets organization in the NBA.

Following the pandemic, Mike founded Hoop Work, focusing on youth basketball development. His coaching influenced thousands of young players across Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Most recently, he served as the head coach of the boys' basketball program at Thayer Academy in Braintree, MA. In just his second year, Mike transformed the program into a winning team, an accomplishment he held close to his heart.

Beyond basketball, Mike loved fishing, playing poker, live music, and staying fit with his twice-daily workouts. He was an avid traveler, favoring warm destinations, but his greatest joy came from spending time with his family. He will be fondly remembered for the many backyard barbecues he shared with loved ones, grilling by the pool, listening to music, and quoting old movie lines with his brothers and friends. As "Uncle Mike," he adored his niece and nephew, Sophie and Weston, and loved spoiling them whenever he had the chance, creating cherished memories they will always treasure.

In addition to his father, Michael, and his father's companion Patricia McGrath of Gainesville, GA, Mike is survived by his brothers, Jonathan R. Babul and his wife Denna of Atlanta, GA, and Jeffrey P. Babul and his wife Shannon of Providence, RI. He also leaves his cherished niece and nephew, Sophie Babul and Weston Babul, of Atlanta; his uncle, John P. Acheson of Wakefield, RI; and countless friends who will deeply miss him.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 10, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the KemperSports Fieldhouse, 31 Oxford Road, Mansfield, MA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Mike's honor by the Reverend David A. Costa on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church (Transfiguration of the Lord Parish), 14 Park Street, North Attleboro. Interment will follow at Notre Dame Cemetery, 359 Daggett Avenue, Pawtucket, RI. Relatives and friends are most warmly invited to attend.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Sperry-McHoul-Pichi Funeral Home, North Attleboro, MA.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Mike's memory to support the establishment of the Michael Babul Memorial Fund. This fund will provide educational scholarships, youth basketball program tuition assistance, coaching education, and raise awareness for heart health.

Mike's legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched. With your support, his impact will continue to inspire future generations. Donations may be made online at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/honor-mike-babuls-legacy.

The Babul Family thanks you for your love, support, and kindness during this difficult time.