RUSSELL M. ‘RUSTY’ BABB, SR. – Obituary

Russell M. “Rusty” Babb, Sr. died peacefully in his home on Saturday, April 15, 2017.  Age 77.  Husband of the late Helen (nee Simon) Babb for 37 years and Grandfather, Great-grandfather, and Uncle to many loved ones, Rusty is survived by his son Russell M Babb Jr, cherished Sister-in-law Mary Lou Freshcoln, his Step-son Henry Gallagher, and friend Michelle Gonchour.  Son of the late George and Eleanor (nee Eyre) Babb, Rusty is predeceased by his loving Step-daughter Debbie Swartz as well as all of his beloved brothers – Larry, Donny, Jerry and infant brother.

Born in Philadelphia and raised in Clayton, Rusty was a resident of Thorofare for 40+ years before moving to Surfside Beach, SC three years ago.  He was a 1959 graduate of Clayton High School before proudly serving in the US Army as a Specialist operating landing crafts.  Rusty loved his job working as the captain of the SV Shuman, a 65′ survey vessel, with the US Army Corps of Engineers for nearly 40 years, retiring in 2000.  Member of the American Legion Post 133 in Woodbury, NJ as well as the Moose Club in SC. Rusty enjoyed skiing, scuba diving and kayaking as well as deer hunting and camping with his nephews.  He also loved to travel, drive his golf cart to the beach, and always enjoyed being around the water.  Rusty was a friend to many and was always willing to make new ones. He was well known for asking perfect strangers trivia questions such as if they knew the height of Mt. Everest or the capital of Nepal.

Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at the BARCLAY FUNERAL HOME, 208 Maple Street, Clayton, NJ 08312.  Funeral service at 11:30 AM at the funeral home.  Interment Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Williamstown.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the St. Labre Indian School, Ashland, MT 59004 or via stlabre.org.  Sign the guest book and send condolences at BarclayFuneralHome.net.