Sergio Babich

Sergio Babich was born on July 6, 1937 in Cepic, Istria. He leaves behind his wife, Ida, of 64 years, his daughter Theresa Nappy (Thomas), sons Thomas (Anne), Robert (Victoria) and his grandchildren, Kristen, Liana, Carolyn, Nicholas, and Lauren. Sergio was the beloved brother of sisters Nella, Maria, Daniela, and Rosina.

Sergio was a highly skilled contractor and craftsman. He loved being out on the job in his signature gray Ford truck. If you knew Sergio, he probably worked in your home and helped you remodel at one time or another. He was extremely generous, often showing his care through lending a helping hand or offering to lay tile.

Sergio had a gift for bringing people together. He had the vision of forming a social club where fellow Istrian emigrants could reunite and establish cultural connections in New York City. In 1959, he, together with good friends, founded the Istria Sport Club in Astoria, Queens. "The Club" was a place where fellow Istrians could go to indulge in authentic Istrian cooking, listen and dance to traditional polka music, or enjoy a game of bocce. Twenty-five years later, Sergio would go on to help start the Cepic Sport Club, yet another testament to his commitment to fostering a legacy in America for his fellow compatriots.

That said, the legacy Sergio took the most pride in was his family. Underneath his characteristic Istrian disposition was a soft and tender heart; he loved his family dearly. Some of the happiest days of his life included watching his children get married, celebrating holidays, and taking vacations with his five wonderful grandchildren. He never missed an opportunity to catch them playing in a youth soccer or little league game. Sergio’s family remained his pride and joy.

Sergio’s lifelong goal was to provide a better life for his kids than he had. With tears in his eyes, he watched with pride as his children walked across the stage at their college graduations, an accomplishment that suggested his sacrifice was worth it. He will be profoundly missed by his family, friends, and all of those who had the privilege of knowing him.