Port Allegany – Edward E. Babcock, Sr., 89, of Port Allegany, passed away Thursday (January 29, 2026) at his home. 

Ed was born July 27, 1936, in Shinglehouse, PA, the son of Lloyd and Emma Babcock. On June 13, 1959, in Shinglehouse, PA, he married Diane Sutton, who survives. 

He was a 1954 graduate of Shinglehouse High School and attended Mansfield University, receiving a degree in secondary education in mathematics. He received his master’s degree and Principal’s certificate from St. Bonaventure University.  Both he and Diane were first generation college graduates, and their lives were devoted to helping others achieve the American dream through an investment in education.   

Mr. Babcock began his career as a high school math teacher for Port Allegany High School in 1958 and, in 1971, upon receiving his principal certification, he served as the Port Allegany High School Principal for many years, finishing his career in 1993.  After his retirement from Port Allegany, he served several other local communities in temporary administrative roles in support of their needs.  He had a heart for service and used his God-given gifts and talents for many decades in the school systems of northwestern PA.  When he did eventually “retire”, he went back to being a full-time farmer, which he still enjoyed up to the day he passed.   

Along with being an avid farmer, in the early years of his career Ed also served Port Allegany as a baseball and basketball coach where his teams experienced much success.  He was also a PIAA Official, refereeing football, basketball and baseball for many years.  Many of his long-time friendships were forged in those early years through his teaching, coaching and officiating roles.  Throughout his years, he spent many nights with Diane in the local gymnasiums, football fields and baseball diamonds cheering on his children and then grandchildren. 

In addition to his wife, Diane, he is survived by:

One son: Edward (Missy) Babcock, Jr. of Sherrill’s Ford, NC

One daughter: Cheryl (Mike) Russell of Port Allegany

One son-in-law: Luke Healy of Stateville, NC

Grandchildren: David (Kaley) Babcock, Eric (Tessa) Babcock, Rachel (Steven)Ceneviva, Bryce (Britani) Healy, Cayrne (Cody) Williams, Garrett (Ellen) Russell, Marrissa Russell and

eleven great grandchildren

One brother: James Babcock of Coudersport

One sister: Eloise Plants of Shinglehouse

And several nieces and nephews

In addition to his parents, Ed was preceded in death by one daughter, Susan Babcock Healy, on May 13, 2025, two brothers, Clarence and Don Babcock and one sister, Eva Bell.

A celebration of Ed’s life will be held locally on Saturday, April 11, 2026, with more details to be provided at a later date.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Sartwell Creek Union Church Building Fund. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com/ 

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany.