Abraham “Abe” Babbitt passed away on Dec. 9, 2020 at The Bertram House of Swampscott at the age of 100. He was the beloved husband for 75 years of the late Frances Babbitt, who passed away on Oct. 7, 2020.
Born in Lynn, Abe was the son of Israel and Bessie Babbitt. He attended Lynn public schools and was a graduate of Lynn Classical High School. He served in the Army Air Corps, stationed in Alaska, and was discharged in 1945.
Abe was a devoted family man. He looked forward to and enjoyed all family gatherings. In their later years, he could be seen doting on Frances, pushing her in her wheelchair through the halls and the outside patio of Bertram House. You couldn’t ask for a better husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Abe was a proud employee of General Electric West Lynn plant for his entire career. He began as a machinist, served as a Union Steward, and was on the Executive Board for many years. He then went on to work in the personnel office. After he retired it was not unusual to have someone approach him to thank him for helping them gain employment at General Electric.
Abe was a member of Congregation Anshai Sfard in Lynn and Congregation Shirat Hayam in Swampscott. He served as Treasurer and President for The Brotherhood of Congregation Anshai Sfard and was awarded the honor of “Father of the Year” at a Father’s Day breakfast held by the Sisterhood. He was also a member of the Jewish Community Center of the North Shore where he exercised and swam.
Abe enjoyed dancing and gardening. When he no longer had his own backyard, he took over space in Sue and Scott’s yard and continued to garden. He also enjoyed traveling, having visited Israel, Aruba and Hawaii as well as several other places.
Abe leaves with wonderful memories and love in their hearts his children, Edward Babbitt and daughter-in-law Ellen Kayser, Ann Pendexter, Roberta Babbitt and son-in-law William McGeehan, Steven Babbitt and Susan Michaud and son-in-law Scott Michaud. His grandchildren Daniel Babbitt and his wife Karen Cassidy, Casey Babbitt, Daniel McGeehan and his great-grandson John Wesley Babbitt, who he was thrilled to be able to hold before COVID-19 restrictions. He was the father-in-law to the late Charles Pendexter, who always referred to him as a “Real Mensch,” and the brother of the late Morris, Samuel and Frank Babbitt and Hilda Nowakowski. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank everyone at Bertram House of Swampscott for their loving care and the extra TLC given to Abe when he needed it most. We will be forever grateful. We also thank everyone at Care Dimensions for their care and compassion and Molly Rowe at First Light Home Care for always checking in on Abe while visiting Bertram House.
Due to regulation imposed by the Coronavirus pandemic, funeral services are private. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory by be made to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA 01923; Congregation Shirat Hayam, 55 Atlantic Ave., Swampscott, MA 01907; or to the charity of your choice. For more information or to register in the online guestbook, visit stanetskyhymansonsalem.com.
