Edmund James Babcock

Edmund James Babcock, Sr., 66, of Hull, passed away peacefully in the presence of family and loved ones, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston on Sunday November 19th, 2023 at 4:57pm, as a result of complications from an ongoing heart condition. 

Edmund “Eddy”, was a lifelong Hull resident, where he spent most of his days among family and friends doing the things he loved to do. Ed could often be found working on his home that was only a few doors down from the home he grew up in. Ed would often be seen riding his motorcycle, or enjoying a windows-down cruise through his beloved town in his Mustang, or Ford Raptor. Ed was a highly respected “Hullonian”, and remained a constant in the town of Hull throughout generations of residents, earning him the title of “unofficial Mayor” by those who knew him or knew of him… Everyone knew “Babs”, a true legend. 

After completing his time at Hull High School in the mid 70s, Ed went on to begin what became a long career serving the town he loved. Ed was employed by the Town of Hull’s Department of Public Works, where he quickly established himself as a smart, tough, hardworking leader who rapidly rose to the position of Forman. Ed continued his education throughout his tenure with the DPW acquiring several work-related licenses and certifications including his hoist operator’s license, CDL, and Hazardous Material license, just to name a few.  

Ed was known among his friends and coworkers to be fearless, as proven during the “Blizzard of 78” when a young Edmund Babcock was working tirelessly around the clock alongside the Massachusetts National Guard operating heavy equipment, often times at his own peril, to rescue families who were stranded in their homes surrounded by the waves and rising seas. Eddy was credited with saving several lives during that time including a woman in labor caught in the storm, who he himself loaded into the large town snowplowing truck that he was fighting the storm in, and drove her to safety through flooded streets, reaching the emergency responders who would not have been able to reach her otherwise. No banners, no medals, no time to waste, Eddy turned his truck back into the storm and went back to work, as he always did. The numerous accounts of Ed’s bravery and commitment to the Town of Hull will never be forgotten. Ed later went on to take employment with the Town of Hull Waste Water Treatment Plant near his home, where he enjoyed several years as a Supervisor utilizing his vast knowledge of the towns utility infrastructure to quietly serve the residents of his beloved town.  

Edmund took an early retirement from his town service in 2008 to pursue his love of life, family, and Little Debbie snack cakes. Edmund’s passion for the water was evident throughout his life. Memories of his love for boating, and his friends at the Nantasket Beach Salt Water Club, where he served as a past president, were evident throughout. Earlier this year, his peers at NBSWC gave Eddy the honor of “Lifetime Member”, It was an honor that he cherished. When Ed wasn’t busy helping others at the club, he was often seen leading the charge to “invade” other boating clubs on Boston’s North Shore. Ed was a welcomed sight by those boating clubs who grew to know his integrity, generosity, and incredible sense of humor. Ed was a lifelong “Villager” who was proud of his roots. He enjoyed his days in the Village, in his man cave sharing a beer and laughs with close friends. His neighbors had the pleasure of enjoying his passion for music and playing the drums, which he unapologetically played in his garage. Anyone passing by got a preview of the latest set list for his band “The Salty Dogs”, whether they wanted to or not. Eddy lived his life his way! When Ed wasn’t playing music, he could be found over-cooking food on the grill, well done was his specialty, or spending time around the fire pit with friends. Those who knew Ed knew he would never fly, but that never stopped him from traveling his way. He enjoyed going on cruises and taking trips to the casino. Ed’s passion for life will be remembered in so many ways, including his go to Karaoke performances of “My Ding-A-Ling”, and ringing the bell at the club for “just one more”.  Ed was always the life of the event! 

Ed will be remembered as a loving, hardworking, tough, generous, and caring Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, and friend to many. Despite his smaller stature, Edmund Babcock was a giant among men. 

Edmund is survived by his children Leea Ann (Sergio) Iannino, Edmund “EJ” James Babcock Jr., Steven E. Nixon (nephew), his Grandchildren Catarina Iannino and Sergio Iannino Jr, his sister Joy (Richard) Hebert, brothers Lawrence J. (Jennie) Babcock and Kevin J. Berry, as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is survived by many beloved friends and loved ones, especially his loving partner Elizabeth Murphy. Edmund was also survived by his former wife of 29 years, Cheryl Ann Babcock. 

Edmund was predeceased by his Parents Mary Louise Berry, John “Jack” Babcock, Sisters Donna L. Lonchich, Lynn M. Cooke, Jacqueline A. Babcock, and Niece Alexandria R. Nixon. 

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Friday, December 1, 2023 from 10AM-1PM in the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald St. Hingham, MA. Funeral service will be celebrated in Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, Hingham at 1 PM that afternoon. See www.Keohane.com for directions and online condolences.