Robert Victor Babiak, 83, passed away at home surrounded by his children on April 28, 2021, after a short battle with cancer. He was born October 10, 1937 in Bayonne, NJ, attended St. Peter's Preparatory School in Jersey City, NJ and graduated from Bayonne High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1958, providing security at the Zweibrücken Air Base in Germany. During his military time, he played for the Air Force basketball team, touring and competing throughout Europe. After serving in the military, Babiak became a New Jersey State Trooper for 25 years, retiring as Sergeant.
Babiak is remembered for his honesty, integrity, faith and love for family. He instilled these values in his children, always supporting and attending their activities and encouraging them to do their best. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and was always engaged with everyone's lives whether it was their jobs, family, schooling, sports and activities.
Babiak had a love for sports from a young age. He boxed in the Golden Gloves in New York City as a teenager and played centerfield and catcher for the Washington Senators (now the Minnesota Twins) baseball organization. He continued that competitive spirit in golf, competing against friends throughout the years and in the Atlantic Winter Golf League. He shot his age twice, most recently shooting 81 after he turned 83 years old. He also enjoyed gardening, fishing, crabbing and clamming and was eager to share with family and neighbors.
Babiak was predeceased by his first wife Geraldine Rakowski Babiak, second wife Joan Giordano, sister Joan Ferrara and stepson Gregory Giordano. He is survived by his sister Dorothy (Dotsie) Huettl, his daughter Carol and husband Leslie L. Knox, daughter Kathleen and husband Dr. Elliot Semet, son Robert and wife Lori Babiak, daughter Kimberley and husband John Phillips, stepdaughter Joanne Giordano, stepson Jerry Giordano, eight grandchildren - Andrew Knox, Adam Knox, Trevor Johnson, Cassidy Johnson, Evan Semet, Maddie Semet, Jaiden Babiak, Brock Babiak, and one great grandchild Isla Knox.
A service will be held at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 350 Province Line Rd., Wrightstown, NJ 08562 on Wednesday, May 5 from 1:30 - 2:00 p.m., followed by an outdoor gathering to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Robert V. Babiak to The 200 Club of Ocean County, benefiting families of fallen police officers, firefighters and EMS personnel. Arrangements are under the direction of Mastapeter Memorial Home in Bayville. www.mastapetermemorialhome.com
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