THE VILLAGES, Fla. – John F. Babb, 82, of Manchester, passed peacefully after battling lung cancer and complications after treatment on Sept. 23, 2021.

He was born to John Appleton Babb and Alma Irene Safford in Washington, Maine on Nov. 25, 1938.

He is survived by his wife, Sonja (Ray) Babb, of 63 years. She was the love of his life and his best friend. They married in 1958 and they resided in Manchester for many years and retired to The Villages, Fla., where they lived happily ever after.

Together they raised three children John L. Babb (Lisa Babb), Rhonda K. Babb, Cassie Babb (Doug Kilgore). He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, Jennifer Farrington (Ricky Soucy), Angie Sousa(Richard Dumais), Heather Michaud (Andrew Michaud), Ryan Babb (Elizabeth Babb), Daniel Fredrickson, Tiana Cappiello (James Brown), Dustin Ouellette (Molly Ouellette), Daniel Ouellette (Sheena Hanson), Shelly Ouellette (Ian Hippler), Ainsley Kilgore and Hunter Kilgore; 11 great-grandchildren, Karin and Donovan Soucy, Sawyer Michaud, Charlotte and Monty Babb, Jack, Joshua, Lia Crosby, Joe and Alice Brown, Sylvie Ouellette and one on the way. And he was also lucky to have many wonderful nieces and nephews! He was survived by five sisters, Priscilla Packard, Judy Oxton, Linda Baldwin, Nancy Weymouth and Peggy Sleeper.

Predeceased by one sister Joanne Bolduc.

John built and worked at J and S Oil Co., Inc. until he retired in 1999 and was very passionate about affecting the most positive change in people. He also volunteered and served on the Manchester Planning Board, Manchester Budget Committee, Manchester Select Board and the Manchester Volunteer Fire Department.

He served four years in the Airborne 101 division Fort Campbell Ky. as Sgt. Babb, Paratrooper! He was a patriot through and through! John was honored with the Spirit of America Award, KVCC Business of the Year, Governor Award and many other accolades.

His passion included his wife and family along with snowmobiling, golfing and happy hour! He was very proud of the fact he was lucky enough to have hit not just one, but THREE holes-in-one! If you didn’t have a smile, he was happy to lend you one!!

The family wishes to honor John’s wishes to have a Celebration of Life which will be scheduled for a later date in Maine.

John was a generous man who donated to some of the finest causes, such as Tunnel to Towers, Wounded Warriors, Travis Mills Foundation and many others. This resembles the patriotic man he was. He loved his God, his Family and his Country!!

“IT HAS BEEN A GREAT JOURNEY AND I WOULDN’T CHANGE A THING!”

In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity in honor of John.

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