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Robert Joseph Babecki

Posted
SUN CITY - Robert Joseph Babecki, an everyday hero, passed away peacefully at the age of 82, in Sun City West. Bob was born in Joliet, Ill., just before the beginning of the Great Depression. At the age of 19, he fought in the Korean War, serving in an infantry unit that saw some of the fiercest fighting of that conflict. Upon returning home, Bob took a job at Caterpillar Tractor in Joliet, where he worked until his retirement, more than 40 years later. In his youth, Bob was involved in karate, Democratic politics and other contact sports. Later, Bob was a union president at Caterpillar. After retiring to Arizona, Bob greatly enjoyed indulging in two favorite activities -- dancing and poker. Bob belonged to a number of organizations and was involved in many charitable activities.Pop was a grandpa who would get in the pool and play with a toddler, or slip a timely $20 bill into a teenage grandchild's hand. Not surprisingly, his grandchildren adored him. Although Parkinson's sadly slowed his dancing feet and nimble card-playing hands, Bob enjoyed life to the end. He was a wonderful and much beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, who will be greatly missed. Bob is survived by his wife, Joan, as well as his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Services for Bob will be held at 10:30 a.m., at Camino del Sol, 13738 W. Camino del Sol, Sun City West, AZ 85379, on Saturday, February 18. In lieu of flowers, please honor Bob by making a gift to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Church Street Station, P.O. Box 780, NY, NY 10008-0780; www.michaeljfox.org.

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