JOSEPH L. BABIC

BABIC JOSEPH L. BABIC, age 85. Beloved companion and loved by Theresa Kuehn (nee Lombardo). Loving father of Lawrence (Karen), Mary and Mark (Sherry). Cherished grandfather, great grandfather and uncle of many. Dearest son of the late Andrew and Mary (nee Samsa). Dear brother of Ann Borchert and the late Anthony, Stephen, Andrew and Kate Stankus. U.S. Air Force Korean War Veteran. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to Hospice Service of Southwest General or the charity of your choice. Mass of Christian Burial Thursday November 20, 2014 St. Joseph Church, 12700 Pearl Rd at 11:30AM. (EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH). Interment Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. The family will receive friends WEDNESDAY 4 - 8 PM at A. RIPEPI & SONS FUNERAL HOME, 18149 BAGLEY ROAD, MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS (WEST OF I-71). Joe's parents came to this country in the 1880's to East 76th street in the Slovenian neighborhood of Cleveland where he attended St. Vitus; later in life he returned there and was active with their father's club. At 11 years old he went to work at a grocery store where they called him Sonny because he was so young; the name stuck with him for many years. He didn't like the job and quit but his ethnic father said, "go back for that job or don't come home." As was the custom in those days, every cent he made went to the family. At age 21 he signed up for the Air Force and was stationed in Guam for 18 months. Joe would gamble to supplement his income since he sent his government checks home to mom; his dad having already passed on. In 1955, he went to work for Kroger's. Because of his personable manner with customers, they soon made him produce manager, and then store manager. He was sent to various locations as he had a capacity to turn around failing stores. His family moved frequently over the years to different locations which took a toll on all of them. One of these positions took him to Lewistown, PA for 10 years. Being a small town he was considered a big Muckety-muck. While in Lewistown, he was also a Eucharistic minister. Following his years with Kroger's, he owned his own grocery store in Payne, Oh. Later he returned to Cleveland where he bought a deli. Because of being robbed so often, he sold that and took a job as a salesman with a cookie company. Because there was no stress he loved the job. He spent his afternoons at the Slovenian Home playing pinochle. He excelled at his job and was salesman of the year several times. No order was too small for him. In 1985, he felt he was blessed when he found his companion, Terrie. Together they traveled most of the U.S. and much of the world. Joe spent hours listening to Trivisonno much to Terrie's chagrin. Many more hours were spent at his favorite watering hole, Molly's, where he always found a ready audience of people to watch the NFL and listen to talks of his travels. He always boasted that he was at the Brown's opener in 1946; also at their only Championship in 1964. Joe's last few years, unfortunately, brought about several health issues. He'll be sorely missed. Rest in Peace. Visitation November 19, 2014 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM A.RIPEPI & SONS FUNERAL HOME 18149 BAGLEY ROAD MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, OH (440) 260-8800 Mass of Christian Burial November 20, 2014 11:30 AM St. Joseph Church 12700 Pearl Road Strongsville, OH 1-440-238-5555 Interment November 20, 2014 1:30 PM Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery 10175 Rawiga Rd. Rittman, OH (330) 335-3069