Obituary of Nelson Babb

Nelson Whittier Babb, Jr. died on March 15, 2012 at age 93 at his daughter and son-in-law's home in Greensboro, North Carolina where he had lived for eight years. Nelson was born March 21, 1918 in Suffield, Connecticut, son of Nelson Whittier Babb, Sr. and Olive Evelyn Morey Babb. He had one sister, Barbara Jane Powers. After graduating from Colgate University, he served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. While briefly stationed at Bartow Army Air Base in Florida, he met his future wife, Martha Ellen Hackl. They married in December of 1944 and lived in West Suffield, Connecticut where Nelson managed his family's business. In the late 1800's Nelson's grandfather, Curtis Babb, purchased land on Lake Congamond and began several small business ventures starting with transporting vacationers by steamboat from the new railroad depot to a resort hotel and summer cottages. With the help of his son, Nelson Whittier Babb, Sr., the business grew into a popular lake-side resort. A dance hall attracted big name dance bands and the building evolved into a respected roller skating rink fostering regional and national competitors. In 1977, the Babb family donated the property to the town of Suffield. The rink is listed as a National Historic Building and is undergoing renovation through the efforts of generous volunteers. In his later years Nelson's passion was researching, corresponding with and donating to his favorite charities. Nelson is survived by two daughters, Claudia Reich and Cynthia Bergner; son-in-laws David Reich and Dave Colton; grandchildren Carrie Ellen Little and her husband Randy Little, David Reich III, Belle Bergner and her husband Stefan Schnitzer, Babbs Bergner, Peter Nelson Reich, James Wilson Reich, Bonnie Bergner; great-grandchildren Ellen Little, Olivia Reich, Georgia Little, David Reich IV, John Simeon Reich, Josephine Reich, Mara Bergner and Sofia Schnitzer. A simple memorial service will be held at his family's homesite on Lake Congamond in West Suffield, Connecticut on June 16th, 2012. Friends and family may sign, and view, the guestbook at www.Pierce-JeffersonFuneralService.com Service Information