Edward E. Smitty" Babiarz

AVOCA-Edward E. "Smitty" Babiarz, 88, of John Street, Avoca, died Thursday evening, July 19, 2007, in Mercy Hospital, Scranton. Born in Avoca on February 19, 1919, he was the son of the late Andrew and Mary (Bulenda-Malinowski) Babiarz. He was a 1937 graduate of Avoca High School and obtained his drafting certificate from International Correspondence Schools, Scranton. Edward was a member of Ss. Peter and Paul Church, Avoca. He was also a member of the Democratic Committee, Pittston Township, and Past President of the Twilight Baseball League, Avoca. Edward was employed for over 30 years by the Murray Corporation, Scranton. He later worked for over 20 years at the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. He retired at age 80 and was the oldest toll booth operator in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Jessica Webb. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, the former, Florence A. Lazorik; two sons, Andrew J., Avoca, and Edward M., Sinking Springs; three daughters, Mary T. Webb, Clark Summit; Ann B. Caputo, West Pittston; Flossie Babiarz, Old Forge; one granddaughter, Theresa Romaldini, Norristown, sisters, Helen O'Hop and Violet Grabowski, both of Avoca; Mary Jane Kuchar, Old Forge; Irene Wotring, Wilkes-Barre; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Monday at 9:30 AM from the Kniffen O'Malley Funeral Home, Inc., 728 Main Street, Avoca, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in Ss. Peter and Paul Church, Avoca. Officiating will be The Reverend Mark Bochinski. Interment will be in the parish cemetery, Moosic Friends may call on Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to Ss. Peter and Paul Church, 1000 Main Street, Avoca, PA 18641. Online condolences can be made at www.bestlifetributes.com