Edmund Babski

"South Hadley - Edmund Babski, 85, of Bayon Dr., passed away peacefully on July 18, 2015 at Mary's Meadow at Providence Place. He was born January 1, 1930 in Russia, son of Tadeusz and Lidia (Webert) Babski. Though famine, war-torn Eastern Europe, forced labor, and post-war trauma characterized his childhood and early adulthood, he immigrated to the United States in 1951 and had the good fortune of becoming a U. S. citizen in 1960. Edmund was co-owner and Treasurer of Edaron Inc. in Holyoke, his pride and joy, which he founded in 1974. He also worked for Milton Bradley in East Longmeadow as a machine design engineer, and was recognized for innovations in puzzle manufacturing and for setting up new plants in Holland, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany, Canada, and Chicago. His accomplishments resulted in membership into the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. He was a communicant for 60 years at Mater Dolorosa Parish in Holyoke and is currently a member of St. Patrick's Church. He was the first president of the Polish Youth Circle in Holyoke, and during his lifetime helped many newcomers find work so that they, too, could have a chance to live the American Dream. Edmund will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 63 years, Mary (Stankiewicz) Babski of So. Hadley and their three children; Donna Scanlon and husband Edward of E. Longmeadow, Alice Shevlin and husband Robert of So. Hadley, and Edmund Babski and wife Justine of Holyoke. He is also survived by a sister, Regina Retynsky of E. Longmeadow, and brother, Zygmunt Babski and his wife Susan of Chicopee. He leaves six cherished grandchildren; Neil Scanlon and wife Elizabeth of Longmeadow, Kathleen Scanlon of Philadelphia, Craig Shevlin and wife Pamela of Nashua, NH, Thomas Shevlin and fiance Erica Soly of Boston, Eric Babski and wife Kayla of W. Springfield and Sarah Babski of Holyoke and three beloved great grandchildren Conner, Hayden and Colin Scanlon of Longmeadow. He will also be remembered by his longtime business partner, Mr. Louis Moretti President of Edaron Inc., many nieces, nephews and extended family members. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, July 23 at 9:30 am at St. Patrick's Church. Burial will follow at Mater Dolorosa Cemetery. Calling hours will be Wednesday from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm at the Beers & Story South Hadley Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place West, Brookline, MA 02445 or to the Polish Center of Discovery and Learning at Elms College, 33 South St., Chicopee, MA 01020. For more information, please visit http://www.beersandstory.com/"