Richard H. Babylon, 78

August 04, 2007

-AUG. 2, 2007

SMITHSBURG - Richard H. Babylon, 78, of Smithsburg, died Aug. 2 three days after his 52nd wedding anniversary.

Dick was a Hagerstown native, the son of Evelyn L. Minnich and William H. Babylon.

After graduating from Hagerstown High School in 1946, Dick pulled a two-year hitch in the U.S. Army and was stationed in the Aleutian Islands for one year. While in the Army, Dick learned the fundamentals of mechanical engineering. After his discharge, he studied at Milwaukee School of Engineering and Indiana Tech and earned a master's degree from Syracuse University.

While working for Carrier in Syracuse, he met Dolores Hummell, whom he married on July 30, 1955. Dick held mechanical engineering and management positions for companies in New York, Texas, Maryland and Pennsylvania, including Carrier, Fairchild, Frick and Pangborn.

The growing family returned to Hagerstown in December 1958, then, in 1969, moved into the dreamhouse in Smithsburg he designed himself. Dick and Dolores raised six children (and other animals, including Brandy, the beloved St. Bernard).

He enjoyed the outdoors, especially gardening and planting trees and flowers. His preferred indoor pastimes were working crossword and jigsaw puzzles, reading the comics (a "Snuffy Smith" strip autographed by artist Fred Laswell was a prized possession; he even framed it), listening to big band music and watching movies.

In addition to his wife, Dolores, Dick is survived by three sons and three daughters, Carol Babylon and Vlad Ivashchenko of Fayetteville, Ark., Richard M. Babylon of Knoxville, Md., Elaine Babylon and Terry Whitaker of Boonsboro, John Babylon and Nadene Babylon of Charlton, N.Y., Ruth Babylon and Ralph Berrier of Radford, Va., and Michael Babylon and Mechell Babylon of Smithsburg. He also is survived by five grandchildren and one stepgrandchild.

Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, where the family will hold a private service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of Washington County, 13011 Maugansville Road, Hagerstown, MD 21740.

Arrangements are by the J.L. Davis Funeral Home, Smithsburg.

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