The Honorable John E. Babiarz, Jr.

The Honorable John E. Babiarz, Jr., of Newark, Delaware, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2025, at the age of 83, with his wife and three daughters by his side.

Born in Wilmington on November 13, 1941, he was the son of former Mayor of Wilmington John E. and Adele (Barczuk) Babiarz. John was a proud graduate of Salesianum High School and University of Delaware. In 1966, he received his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School, was admitted to the Delaware State Bar, and married his wife Linda.

John had a distinguished legal career spanning over four decades. He began as a lawyer working with O. Francis Biondi, and became a partner forming Biondi & Babiarz in 1971. In 1979, he became a partner at Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell where he worked until 1985 when he became a Superior Court Judge for the State of Delaware, serving two 12-year terms. John aspired to be a fair judge and was deeply respected by his colleagues.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, John found deep joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved fishing, gardening, cooking, and spending time with his family at their summer home in Rehoboth Beach. He loved sports, following the Blue Hens, Eagles, and Phillies his entire life, and more recently, his grandchildren's high school teams. John loved classical music and was a regular attendee with his wife at the Delaware Symphony Orchestra. He regularly enjoyed card games with his friends and could demolish anyone at Scrabble. 

John and Linda enjoyed many trips to San Francisco to spend time with their children and grandchildren. John’s family will forever cherish the quiet strength and warmth he brought into their lives. His gentle nature and witty sense of humor made him a comforting and steady presence. He offered thoughtful advice and was always there with calm support. John’s love for his family was at the heart of everything he did. His kindness, generosity, and appreciation for life’s small joys will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Linda C. (Whalen) Babiarz; his daughters, Lisa Loughran of Petaluma, CA, Julia Babiarz of Truckee, CA, and Amanda Cline and her husband, Matthew of Brisbane, CA; his grandchildren, Edison and Calvin Curtis, Kevin and Adele Loughran, Floyd and Cassidy Cline; and his brother and sister-in-law, Francis and Joyce Babiarz.

A memorial service and celebration of John’s life will be held at a future date. Details will be shared with family and friends when arrangements are made. 

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