Babbage (middle) at the 41st annual Chautauqua Home Rehabilitation & Improvement Corporation meeting

The Village of Bemus Point and the Chautauqua County Legislature recently took the time to pay tribute to former Mayor and Legislative member Richard Babbage.

Babbage passed away peacefully at home in Bemus Point at the age of 92 surrounded by his children on Sept. 26, 2025.

At the most recent Legislature meeting on Oct. 22, Chairman Pierre Chagnon opened the meeting with a memorial speech dedicated to recognizing Babbage’s contributions to the county. Chagnon referenced his earliest memories of meeting Babbage, which occurred when Babbage worked for Maple Grove Central School as the audio and visual director. This meant Babbage would manage any stage performances that needed audio/visual support. Chagnon noted that he would go on to receive the lead role in the play freshman year, at the same time that Babbage was the play director. Chagnon mentioned enjoying working with Babbage so much during this time, that he would even go on to join his crew and work with Babbage on a nearly daily basis.

During his time as a teacher, Babbage sat on many local boards, and held many different local governmental positions. Babbage was a Bemus Point resident and served as a village board member from 1971 to 1981, and later held the position of mayor from 1981 to 1991, according to current Mayor Jeffrey Molnar. Due to Babbage’s service to the village for 20 years, Molnar took time at the village board meeting on Oct. 21 to commemorate the life and work of Babbage. Babbage’s nearly 39 years of contributions to both the legislature and village of Bemus Point show an unheard of level of dedication to serving and benefiting the community, said Molnar. Molnar noted that these important contributions during Babbage’s lifetime will not be forgotten, even now that he is at peace.

Following his retirement as a teacher, Babbage would go on to join the county legislature and hold numerous committee positions. Chagnon noted that Babbage served in the legislature from 1992 to 2011, where he was succeeded by Vince Horrigan for a two-year term, with Horrigan then succeeded by Chagnon. Legislative Clerk Olivia Lee mentioned that Babbage held seats on numerous committees while in the legislature as well. Lee said that Babbage served on the Personnel and Governmental Affairs Committee, the Environmental Committee, the Public Works Committee, the Human Services Committee, the Admin Services Committee, and was the Chairman of the Public Facilities Committee.

“He approached his work with thoughtfulness, integrity, and a genuine desire to improve the lives of others. His contributions to this Legislature and to Chautauqua County will not be forgotten,” said Chagnon.

During Chagnon’s 21 years of service to the town board in Ellery, Babbage was the legislator that represented the area. As a result of this, Chagnon noted that he not only remained in frequent contact with Babbage, but that he was always able to go to Babbage for guidance on both his positions for the town and later for the legislature.

“Dick was an extremely kind and caring individual, and more willing to give of his time and, and attention, and dedication than most anyone that I have ever known” stated Chagnon.