WESTFIELD – Charles A. Babinski (b. Karol Babiensky), 101, (1924–2025) of Westfield MA passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. Born on 
January 4, 1924, in Westfield to Andrej Babiensky and Stefania Kwapien, he attended schools in Westfield.
Enlisting in the U.S. Army on February 27, 1943, he served in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland in the 393rd Engineer Special Service Regiment as Technician 5th Grade. After his honorable discharge on November 26, 1945, he obtained his GED. Under the GI Bill, he went on to obtain his bachelor’s degree at Western New England College. For over 25 years, he worked at Strathmore Paper Company starting in the mill and working his way up into management positions. He was able to celebrate his 100th birthday in January 2024 at a party with family and friends where he was recognized for his service in World War II and his cribbage skill.
The youngest of eight children, he stayed close to his siblings throughout his life – playing cards, doing home repairs, golfing and enjoying family picnics at Sunnyside Beach and Cedarhurst Pool and Picnic area. He was an avid Yankee’s fan and cribbage player. “Pep”, as he was known to many, also enjoyed dancing, singing and the outdoors. In his retirement years he was always there to lend a helping hand to family, friends and neighbors. On June 11, 1949, he married Dorothy E. Kingsley at Holy Trinity Church. Together they cared for their grandchildren and elderly relatives and friends. Their 73 years of marriage ended with Dorothy’s death in 2022.
Pep was predeceased by his parents and all his siblings and their spouses: Rose (John) Schenna, Julianna (Joseph) St. Jean, Casimir (Jennie), Joseph (Dolores), William (Helen), Helen (Harry) Jamorogowicz, and John (Ann). In addition, he was predeceased by his nieces Laura Babinski, Jeanne Mae Palmer, Nancy Schenna, Carol Shewokis, and Barbara Ann Lees and his nephews Thomas, John, Roy and James Babinski, Jack Schenna, and Robert St. Jean.
To cherish his memory, he leaves two daughters Gail (Albert) Bean of Westfield and Elizabeth (Rylan) Shepard of Blandford, with whose loving care he was able to stay at home until his death on June 12th, his five grandchildren, Aaron (Michele) of New Hampshire, Andrew (Deidre) of Westfield, Adam (fiancée Danika Kirvin) Bean of Florida, Michelle MacDonald of Easthampton and Livia Shepard of Blandford along with his five great-grandchildren, Sarah “Pen”, Ethan, Colin, Cameron and Evelyn.
The family would like to thank family friends Krystyna and Sandy, FCP Live-In caregivers Angela and Victoria and Beacon Hospice nurses Emily and Sarah for help in caring for their dad.
Calling hours are Thursday, June 26th from 5 to 7 p.m. at Westfield Funeral Home, 4 Princeton Street. The funeral begins at the funeral home on Friday, June 27th 2025 at 10 a.m. proceeding to Holy Trinity Church, Westfield, MA for a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Church, 335 Elm Street, Westfield, MA 01085 or to the Westfield Food Pantry, 101 Meadow St. #1, Westfield, MA.
