Thomas Babczak

Thomas E. Babczak, 89, of Reading, passed away Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at 12:22 am in his residence. He was the husband of the late Josephine (Bialas) Babczak who passed away April 3, 2018. Born in Reading he was the son of the late John and Helen (Solecki) Babczak. He was employed by the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company in Pottstown for 30 years, and 10 years for the Liquor Control Board of Pennsylvania at the State Store in Shillington. Mr. Babczak was a graduate of Reading High School, Class of 1947 where he played basketball and football and was an active member of the Mixed Chorus and Accapella Choir. He also was a member of the Reunion Committee for the Class of 1947. Mr. Babczak served 2 years in the United States Army, stationed in Sandia Base, Albuquerque, New Mexico. He played basketball and football at Kurtland Field which was associated with Sandia Base. A highlight in his football career in the Army was playing against an All American Guard named Don Whitmire for the United States Naval Academy. He also took part on the City League teams playing basketball, baseball and softball. His singing ventures included singing with the Encore Center Singers from the Senior Center at Ninth and Court Streets. He took part in two shows at the Rajah Theater which was an opera called El Travatore, produced by the Grand Opera of Reading, and the Musical called Evita by the Reading Civic Theater. Mr. Babczak was a life member of the Liberty Fire Company; member of Polish Falcons, Victor Emanuel; Adamstown Gun Club; Basketball Old Timers and the Encore Senior Center and also a member and coach of the 18th Ward Football Association. He took part in the Midget Football and Brookline Playground Programs for 17 years. His love was singing with the Encore Chorus, playing golf with his friends Danny, Richard and George, fishing and enjoying breakfast every Thursday at Williams Diner with Tommy Osiecki and selected group of friends, and dancing to the old time tunes with a friend. His biggest fishing prize was catching an eight foot tiger shark on a party boat in Cancun. Mr. Babczak is survived by his son Douglas A. Babczak, husband of JoAnne Gehret of Mount Penn and daughter Deborah J. LeVaugh, wife of Richard LeVaugh of Gulf Breeze, Florida and grandchildren Tyler V. Babczak and Carly M. Helm.
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Interment will be private for family members only at Saint Mary's Cemetery. Whelan Schwartz Funeral Home 444 North 9th Street is in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.whelanschwartz.com