Richard C. Babbage
Richard Clark Babbage, 92, of Bemus Point, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his children on Sept. 26, 2025. He was born on Jan. 9, 1933 to Lyman and Elizabeth Babbage in East Aurora, NY. He graduated in 1950 from East Aurora High School, where he was president of his senior class. He graduated from the University of Buffalo with a Bachelor of Science in Education. He married Beverly Babbage (formerly Baker) on Dec. 26, 1953. They shared 70 beautiful years together before her passing in Feb. 2024.
He is survived by their children: Steven (Patty), Betsy Lichtinger (Clark), Julie, Jane Singer (Kevin, deceased), and Lyman Scott (Dawn); his grandchildren: Christopher Babbage, Andy Babbage, Brandon Lichtinger (Ashlee), Corbin Lichtinger(Lucy), Chad Cronauer, Anthony Babbage, Marc Singer(Courtney), Stacey Kerr (John), Carolyn Ortiz (Adam), Liz Singer, Stephanie Campbell (Paul), Michael Babbage and Jessica MacMahon (Ed); and 15 great-grandchildren. He has two surviving siblings, Dan Babbage and Phoebe Drews (Robert), and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents and brothers, Harry and Walter.
Richard taught for over 30 years, beginning his teaching career in Niagara Falls as a history teacher. After moving his family to Chautauqua Lake, he continued his teaching career in the Bemus Point Central Schools as the audio-visual director and later a history teacher.
Richard was involved in local politics, serving as a village trustee, the deputy mayor, then the mayor of Bemus Point. When he retired from teaching at Maple Grove High School, he became a county legislator, a position he held for 22 years. He was actively involved and chaired many county boards.
Richard became interested in theater during his high school years and continued to act and work behind the scenes through college. He was technical director for many high school productions at Maple Grove and was a supporter and an actor in productions at Jamestown Little Theatre.
Richard enjoyed traveling, his life by the lake, watching sunsets, gardening, reading and taking his family on village tours. He also loved barbecuing chicken for family and friends, going out for pancakes, and daily visits to the cemetery. He was a dedicated member of the Bemus Point Methodist Church.
Arrangements entrusted to Riccardi’s Hubert Funeral Home.
Celebration of Life Service will be held on Oct. 3, 2025, at 11 AM at the Bemus Point Methodist Church, with a luncheon to follow. Burial will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bemus Point Methodist Church, Bemus Point Volunteer Fire Department or a charity of choice. Send a condolence by visiting www.hubeertfuneralhome.com.