Willis John Babak

Willis (Wetz or Bill) Babak passed away on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, surrounded by his family, at the age of 96.
He was born in Meadeville, PA, as the youngest of four siblings to immigrant parents and moved to Akron as a toddler during the Great Depression. He served in WWII in the Pacific Theater, where he helped secure the island of Okinawa and the subsequent liberation of the Korean Peninsula. Back home in Akron after the war, Bill met his future wife, Grace, at Harshe's Drugstore. He worked in construction, building homes in the Akron area, then as a fireman before landing a job as a Building Inspector for the City of Akron. He served the city for 30 years before retiring. With a passion for construction, he built several apartment buildings near the Univ. of Akron where he was respected by his tenants as a fair and humble landlord. He and Grace were members of the Mineral Club and involved in various lapidary activities. They also loved to travel and explored many countries around the world. Some of his favorite memories were from countless camping experiences with his family in Montauk, NY, and Friday evening margarita happy hour with his wife, family, and neighbors, usually at local Mexican restaurants, where he was on a first-name basis with staff.
Bill and Grace celebrated 60 years together before her death in 2013. He was also preceded in death by his siblings Joseph (Elizabeth), Frank (Roseann) & sister Lillian (John); and grand-daughter Katherine Babak.
He leaves behind his children Johnette (Tom) Luxeder, Cynthia (Paul Witcover) Babak, Vincent (Rebecca) Babak, and Michael (Nancy)Babak; grandchildren John (Kim) and David (Emily) Luxeder, Clair (Robby) Dabernig, Elane (Justin) Babak, Gracie Samadjopoulos, Ryan Babak; great-grandchildren Matt, Megan, William and Sean Luxeder, and Jacob and Layla Dabernig. He also leaves behind many devoted nieces and nephews and their families.
Bill will be remembered for his funny stories, quick, curmudgeonly wit, and his kindness and devotion to his family and friends.
The family will receive friends on Friday, August 11, from 6-8 pm at the Anthony Funeral Home Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, 1990 S. Main St. in Akron. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, 10 am, at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Akron. Interment with full military honors will be held on Tuesday, August 15, 9:45 am, at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman.(Anthony - AKRON, www.anthonyfh.com)