Peter Richard Babb

Born in Surrey, England on October 28, 1944, to Lesley Pamela Owens. His stepfather was Elmer Libbey Babb. He is survived by his wife Leona, sister Lettie Hulet, brother Elmer Babb and sister-in-law Grace Contreras as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is predeceased by his brother William Babb and son Dwaynne, and his parents and Leona’s parents Leon and Audris Johnson.

The Babb family came to the United States in 1952 through Ellis Island and lived in New York, Maine, and Texas. They settled in San Francisco, California when Peter was around 11 years old and graduated from Lincoln High School in San Francisco. Peter was also a Specialist (E-4) in the Army Reserves for six years.

Peter worked at the National Shirt Shop in San Francisco and then at Emporium Capwell. Later he worked at Pacific Bell starting out as a messenger but working his way up to engineer. He worked on Folsom Street, as well as in Livermore, and Walnut Creek. Leona and Peter were married July 10, 1979 in Reno, Nevada and then moved Concord, and finally transferred to San Diego County in September 1998 due to Leona’s job.

Peter loved animals. In fact, they had membership at the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park. He loved music, especially jazz, R&B, and soul. His favorites were Gladys Knight & Pips, Shirley Bassey, Anita Baker, Earth Wind & Fire, The Platters, and The Spinners. They also loved to go to festivals and concerts; a highlight was when Leona surprised him on his birthday with tickets to see Lena Horne’s concert The Lady & Her Music in San Francisco.

Peter learned how to play golf from his father-in-law Leon Johnson and they would go hit balls or play a few games. Peter was very good at long-distance drive hitting. Sometimes Peter would say Leon didn’t know when to stop golfing! Even when darkness arrived Leon still wanted to play another round (after playing 18 plus 9 holes) and Peter would be ready to go home. Peter and Leona often went fishing on their friends’ boats. Leon also took him out on the boat to catch fish. Leona introduced Peter to Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Universal Studios when he was 34 years old. It was the vacation of a lifetime for him!

Peter loved drawing, photography, needlepoint, and crossword puzzles. At Christmas, he loved dressing up as Santa Claus for students at various middle schools because the look on the children’s faces was priceless as they sat on Santa’s lap, telling him what they wanted for Christmas and getting a gift. Peter really enjoyed that time of year, seeing those smiles.

Peter was a very quiet person and enjoyed life; he wanted to make Leona smile or laugh. It wasn’t unusual for him to suddenly serenade her. He was kind and would give you the shirt off his back if it would help.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.tridentsociety.com/location/san-diego-ca for the Babb family.