Vincent Willard Babyak

Vincent Willard Babyak, 75, of Clover, SC passed away on Friday, September 7, 2018, after a courageous battle with cholangiocarcinoma.

Vince was born on May 28, 1943 in McKeesport, PA, son of the late Vincent and Bernice Babyak. He grew up with his younger brother Frances and sister Colette. In 1966 he married the love of his life, Louise Aurora Agostini. Their son Gregory Michael Babyak was born in 1971 and their daughter Lynnette Marie Babyak was born in 1974, both in Richmond, VA.

His greatest love was for his family! He treasured his time with each of his 5 grandchildren - Hannah Babyak, Sarah Babyak, Michelle Babyak, Taylor Schiffern, and Logan Schiffern. In spite of his many life experiences, every conversation eventually led back to his grandchildren. His grandkids adored their "PapPap" and he thought they were "purrfect". Vince remained young at heart and loved family vacations and adventures. In fact, he was often the only one that rode the roller coasters with the kids.

Everyone that knew Vince knows that he had a larger-than-life personality. Vince was a consummate "foodie" and had a love for good food and drink. He was always looking for the next "great" recipe and was an outstanding cook and grill master.

His dedication to serving his community and his country was evident throughout his life, including serving as a volunteer firefighter after graduation from high school, serving in the Army National Guard from 1964-1970 and being a founding member of the River Hills Rescue Squad where he drove the ambulance.

While attending high school at St. Vincent Prep School in Latrobe, PA he worked over the summers for his dad at Irwin potato chip factory. After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Economics in 1972, Vince accepted a job with Midrex in 1975 and moved the family to Charlotte, NC in 1976. He established his home in the River Hills Community in Clover, SC and lived in that home until the time of his death.

Vince worked for Midrex for the majority of his career up until his retirement from the company in March 2014. His job took him to all corners of the world where he made countless friends and loved to tell stories from all of his experiences.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the amazing health care team that cared for him with such compassion during his illness at Carolinas Medical Center. They treated Vince as if they were taking care of their own family.

We will all miss Vince so much - his many stories, time spent together in the kitchen or around the grill, his love of life, and his passion for his family. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. We know he will be watching over us as his family continues to grow and his presence will be missed.

He is survived by his wife, Louise Aurora Babyak of Clover, SC; children Gregory (Molly) Babyak of Shorewood, IL and Lynnette (Shad) Schiffern of Charlotte, NC; Grandchildren Hannah Babyak, Sarah Babyak, and Michelle Babyak of Shorewood, IL and Taylor Schiffern and Logan Schiffern of Charlotte, NC. He is also survived by his siblings: sister Colette (Lou) Kacick and brother Frances Babyak. He is preceded in death by his parents, Vincent & Bernice Babyak.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at 3:00pm at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, 292 Munn Rd E., Fort Mill, SC 29715. The family will have a reception at the home of Lynnette & Shad Schiffern following the service to celebrate Vince.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation to the St. Philip Neri Catholic Church Organ Fund.

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