John Babyak Sr

BOARDMAN - Prayers will begin Monday morning at 9:15 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Boardman-Canfield Chapel followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10 a.m. at St. Dominic Church for John W. Babyak Sr., 86, who died early Saturday morning surrounded by his family at the Inn at Christine Valley.
John was born July 24, 1927, in Avella, Pa., the son of John and Mary Babyak. John moved to this area as a young boy and was a graduate of Campbell Memorial High School, where he was class Valedictorian and Captain of its football team. After graduation he continued his student athletic career at the University of Michigan, playing on its football team from 1947 to 1949. He later was named to the Campbell Memorial Athletic Hall of Fame for his accomplishments in football and his passion for Michigan football would never fade.
He dedicated himself as a lifelong advocate for the Wolverines, was a member of the Victors Club of the University of Michigan and was an avid golfer. John was a member of St. Dominic Church and the Fourth Degree Assembly of the Knights of Columbus. John also served his country as a member of the Army and Merchant Marines.
Mr. Babyak worked as a pharmaceutical sales representative for the Schering Corporation for over 40 years, before retiring in 1991. In addition he had been the owner operator of the Paris Inn on Wilson Avenue in Campbell.
He is survived by three daughters, Retired One Star General Carol Ann (James) Fausone U.S.A.F. of Canton, Mich., Debbie (Todd) Schuller of Boardman, and Monica ( Dr. Bill) Houser of Wexford, Pa.; one son, Dr. John W. (Shannon) Babyak of Canfield; 11 grandchildren, Sergeant Todd (Jade) Schuller II U.S.M.C., Kevin Schuller, Kelly (Ryan) DeGeorge, Nicholas, Michael, Alexander and Shannon Houser, J.D. (Sarah), Daniel, Ryan Babyak and Meghan (Patrick) Riley; and seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary (Flak) Babyak; a daughter, Barbara Jean Babyak; and a brother, Alex Babyak.
The Babyak family would like to thank the Inn at Christine Valley for their excellent and compassionate care during John's stay and has requested that material tributes take the form of donations to the activities fund at the Inn at Christine Valley in Mr. Babyak's memory.
Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. today at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Boardman-Canfield Chapel.
Visit www.higgins-reardon.com to view this tribute and send condolences.