John J. Babstock, Sr.

Retired Watertown Fire Captain John J. Babstock, Sr., of Waltham, died Sunday, March 19, 2023 in his home.  He was 78.

John was born in Cambridge on February 7, 1945, the son of the late James and Margaret (Haight) Babstock. Raised in Waltham, he was a Waltham High School graduate and joined the Watertown Fire Department soon after. He spent 36 years in the fire service retiring at the rank of Captain in 2004. He spent his final years at Station Two on Mount Auburn Street.

He also worked for years in the maintenance department at Gardencrest Apartments in Waltham, retiring in 2005.

John loved working with his hands and could always be found tinkering in his garage on various vintage cars he owned over the years including his ’57 Chevy, S.S. El Camino, or his beloved Mustang. He also was an avid golfer. A member at Wayland Golf Club, he always found peaceful enjoyment in the game whatever course he was on. He was also a member of the Watertown Fire Golf Team.

He leaved his wife, Karen M. (Conzo) Babstock; his children, John J. Babstock, Jr. (Cindy) of Waltham, Joyce Brown (Kevin) of Christianburg, Virginia, and Jaime L. Randall (Travis) of Brooklyn, New York; his grandchildren, Mackenzie, Isabella, and Hadley Babstock, Leo Thompson, Matthew Brown; and Caspian and Glory Randall; his sister, Ann Murphy (late Charlie) of Waltham; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and their families.

Family and friends will honor and remember John’s life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Saturday, April 1^st from 10 a.m. to 12 Noon immediately followed by his funeral service at noon.  Burial will be in Grove Hill Cemetery, Waltham.