Mark E. Babbitt

Shrewsbury – Let’s remember Mark Babbitt by easily recalling how he embraced life to the fullest, despite recent challenges of the impact of Alzheimer’s disease that he and his family endured for many years. We should remember his distinctive smile, sharp wit, and hearty laughter; those who knew him can attest that he approached each day as genuinely authentic, honest, gentle and was a caring father, husband, Grampy and friend. He was known for his thoughtful insights and supportive demeanor.

Mark's journey here on earth ended peacefully on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. He was 79.

Mark Edward Babbitt was born March 20, 1946, in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, a son of the late Edward S. and Catherine (Lord) Babbitt. He was raised in both Cornell and Neenah-Menasha, Wisconsin. As a young boy, he enjoyed the experiences of a small-town upbringing which afforded Mark many enjoyable rides in his grandfather’s work truck and trips to the Babbitt’s General Store, including the candy section. When the family moved to Neenah, he began playing competitive sports and was introduced to Boy Scouts. A graduate of Xavier High School in Appleton, WI, he played on its varsity sports teams while simultaneously earning his Eagle Scout at age 16.

It was in high school where Mark developed his lifelong passion for reading, history, and books in the genre of western American history. He spent a life-changing year studying abroad at the University of Austria which allowed both Mark and a life-long friend an opportunity to travel extensively throughout Europe. He returned to attend the University of Wisconsin where he studied English and Language Arts with majors in Comparative Literature and English.

Mark enjoyed a successful career in the world of information technology. With his innovative approach, he managed and improved solution-based business systems. He was instrumental in creating and integrating new technological solutions to satisfy the demands of new markets, e-commerce and overall customer experience. His career included more than 20 years at New England Business Services, NEBS, in Groton, MA and 10 years at Educators Publishing Services in Cambridge, MA. Mark loved his work and the many close friendships that he developed with his colleagues. He was a person of integrity, and everyone enjoyed working with him.

It was through his work that he met his true love and Shrewsbury native, Laurie Filiere. Surrounded by their families and Mark’s 3 children, they were married 33 years ago, on September 20, 1992, aboard the Mount Washington motor vessel on Lake Winnipesaukee. They loved sharing their busy and blessed life, raising four very active children. Mark was a happily devoted Dad who was enthusiastically involved with his kids’ pursuits including coaching youth basketball, soccer and his favorite, baseball, which he coached at various levels for more than 40 years. The Filiere and Babbitt families were a great combination right from the beginning and they cherished the love and support of this tight-knit and fun-loving band of extended families.

Mark loved watching his kids grow and thoroughly enjoyed traveling to share important moments in each of their careers and lives. He was very proud Dad and loved his role as Grampy. Mark loved being known as “Grampy” to his 7 grandchildren, and he loved visiting his grandchildren wherever and whenever possible.

Mark was a voracious reader and always had a book in his hand. He shared his love for reading by always having an extra copy or two for gifting out to family and friends. Though reading was a passion for Mark, what he loved most was being outdoors. He enjoyed the golf game, was an avid skier, and enjoyed working in his yard and garden. Mostly, he loved being on the water, and particularly enjoyed canoeing, sailing, wind surfing, and swimming.

In addition to his wife, Laurie, he leaves his children, Lucas E. Babbitt (Christina) of Poway, CA, Samuel H. Babbitt (Christina) of Poway, CA, Emily C. Babbitt de Nicasio (Warlin) of Wiesbaden, Germany and Benjamin F. Babbitt of Boise, ID; his grandchildren Julian, Dominick, Eleanor, Josephine, Vincent, Lowell and Carmela; his brother John Babbitt (Claudia) of Milwaukee, WI; in-laws Donna Candito Williams (Derek), Stephen Filiere (Maria), Michael Filiere (Brenda) and many nieces & nephews.

Laurie, Mark, and their children would like to sincerely thank all the family and friends who were so dedicated in walking this path with them. Also, the wonderful, talented and caring staff on the 2nd floor of Beaumont Care Facility in Northborough, MA who cared so well for him.

Family and friends will honor and remember Mark’s life by gathering for a Morning Wake on Saturday, March 14th from 10 – 11 a.m. in Saint Mary’s Church, 640 Main Street, Shrewsbury, followed by his funeral Mass celebrated at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will follow at Cyprian Keyes Golf Club, 284 E. Temple Street, Boylston. 

Expressions of sympathy may be made to More Than Words, Attn: Development, 56 Felton Street, Waltham, MA 02453 or https://secure.givelively.org/donate/more-than-words-inc/honoring-mark-babbitt or St Mary’s Parish, 18 Summer Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 https://www.stmarysparish.org/giving

Arrangements by James + John Heald of The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street, Waltham.