OBITUARY: Walter J. Babcock, 61

Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:

WILMINGTON, MA — Walter Joseph Babcock, age 61, of Wilmington, MA, passed away on April 8, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Walter was the loving and dedicated husband and best friend to Ellen Babcock for over 35 years. Loving, Protective and Caring Father to Chelsie Stackhouse and her husband Michael Stackhouse, Christopher Babcock, and Sara Babcock. Papa to Rae Rose Stackhouse. Dog father to Yogi and Milo. Born in Everett, MA, on December 31, 1963; he was the beloved Son to Robert Babcock and Eileen Guilfoy and the late Rose Babcock. Brother to Darlene Babcock O’Connell. Brother-in-law to James and Mary Bonasoro. Uncle to James, Liz, Liam, Anthony, Christine, Jaxon, and Isla Bonasoro, Christina Furlong, and Nathan O’Connell.

Walter graduated from Malden Catholic High School, studied electronics and graduated from Northeastern University for Electrical Engineering. He worked for Rockwell Collins Inc. for 27 years and USA softball for 11 years. His passion became Sports Administration and Coaching Softball to High School Students. He served as the assistant softball coach of Wilmington High School from 2008 -2024. He also helped many students reach their goals to get into Division 1 College Softball while coaching the Polar Crush Junior Olympic Softball team.

He was loved and admired by the many students and parents of Wilmington High School and his many coworkers, colleagues, students, and families among the softball communities that he served from USA softball.

He loved spending time with his wife and children on the beaches of Wells and Ogunquit Maine. Walter enjoyed traditions and holidays and being with friends. He had many proud and happy memories especially of his 3 children who all pursued the nursing profession. He was blessed with his first grandchild in 2023.

He fought a very brave battle with cancer since December of 2023. Walter remained strong and faithful and persevered through this difficult illness and never wanted to give up because there was so much more to live for.

His oncologist and team plus all of the many nurses and doctors at Dana Farber and Brigham and Women’s Hospital were exceptional in their care and support.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to The Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., SW120, Boston, MA 02215 and/or to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF), 1000 16th St., NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20036.

Family and friends are welcome to gather for Visiting Hours at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, MA, on Sunday, April 13th from 4:30 – 8:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, April 14th at 10:30 a.m. in St. Thomas Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington, MA (please go directly to church). Interment will follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington, MA.

To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com.