Nicholas Babiak
Served in Army, enjoyed gardening
Nicholas “Mickey” Babiak, 93, of Canonsburg, passed away peacefully with his beloved family by his side at 5:15 a.m. Tuesday, September 13, 2013, in his home, following an extended illness.
He was born December 1, 1919, in Canonsburg, a son of the late Wasyl and Anna Chikiryla Babiak.
Mr. Babiak lived most of his life in Canonsburg, where he was a member of St. Michael’s Byzantine Catholic Church.
He was a graduate of Canonsburg High School, Class of 1937 and Case Western Reserve in Cleveland, Ohio, where he became a cadet.
During World War II, he served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He was a navigator and bombardier in the B17 Flying Fortress.
Prior to his retirement, he had been employed as a construction engineer No. 2 for the Pennsylvania Department of Highways, now known as PennDOT.
Mr. Babiak was a member of American Legion Post 902 of Houston and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 191 of Canonsburg.
He enjoyed gardening, painting, singing and most especially, time spent with his grandson.
On August 19, 1951, he married Mary Alice Joseph, who survives.
Also surviving are a daughter, Melanie (Leonard) Spagnolo of Bethel Park; a grandson, Nicholas Joseph Spagnolo; a sister, Ann Howard of Greensburg; and many nieces and nephews.
Deceased are three brothers, Michael, Pete and Harry Babyak; and three sisters, Mary Horner, Eva Japp and Helen Arnold.
Friends are welcome from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in Salandra Funeral Service Inc., Joseph P. Salandra, owner/supervisor, 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, 724-745-8120, where Honor Guard services will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday, September 27, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Michael’s Byzantine Catholic Church, Canonsburg, with the Rev. Joseph Jugan, as celebrant. Interment will follow in Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Peters Township. Full Military rites by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 191 and American Legion Post 902 will be accorded at graveside. Panahida services will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home. To view or extend condolences, please visit www.salandrafunerals.com.