Fr. Timothy Babcock, a longtime priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit, passed from this life on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2019, at the age of 77.

Fr. Babcock was born Aug. 26, 1942, in Detroit and ordained a priest on June 1, 1968, in Grand Rapids.

Throughout his distinguished 51 years in ministry, Fr. Babcock served in a variety of roles throughout the Archdiocese of Detroit, most recently as delegate to the archdiocese's Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services, and as a staff member of the archdiocese's Metropolitan Tribunal and Office for Clergy and Consecrated Life.

Earlier in his ministry, Fr. Babcock served as pastor of several parishes, including St. Mary in Monroe (2002-05), St. Andrew in Rochester (1989-98), St. Mary in Royal Oak (1980-81), and St. Eugene in Detroit (1974-79). He also served as associate pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows in Farmington (1979-80), St. Eugene in Detroit (1972-74), and St. Sylvester in Warren, as well as coadjutor pastor of St. Genevieve in Livonia (1979). 

Always called upon to serve in times of need, Fr. Babcock served faithfully as a temporary administrator of more than a dozen parishes over the last 15 years. These parishes included St. Sebastian Parish, Dearborn Heights; St. Aloysius Parish, Romulus; St. Kenneth Parish, Plymouth; St. Ronald Parish, Clinton Township; St. Thomas a ‘Becket Parish, Canton; Resurrection Parish, Canton; St. Scholastica Parish, Detroit; St. Priscilla Parish, Livonia; St. Joseph Parish, Detroit; St. Josaphat Parish, Detroit; Sweetest Heart of Mary Parish, Detroit; St. Joseph Parish, South Lyon; St. Owen Parish, Bloomfield Hills; SS. Simon and Jude Parish, Westland; and Corpus Christi Parish, Detroit. 

Fr. Babcock was also chaplain for the Felician Sisters in Livonia, and a former member of the archdiocesan College of Consultors. 

Visitation will take place on Monday, Oct. 7, 2019 from 1-5 p.m. at St. Andrew Parish, 1400 Inglewood, Rochester, Michigan 48307 until the celebration of his funeral Mass at 5 p.m. His interment will be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 25800 West 10 Mile Road, Southfield, Michigan 48034, on Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 10 a.m. Fr. Babcock's interment will be private (family only).

Fr. Babcock was predeceased by his parents, John and Catherine Babcock; brothers, John Peter (the late Margaret), James Allen, Edward Michael, and Paul Willard (the late Janet). Fr. Babcock is survived by his brother, Dr. Allen (Mary Ann) Babcock; sister, Sr. Margaret Ann Babcock, IHM; sister-in-law, Mary; nineteen nieces and nephews; and many great nieces and nephews. Condolences may be sent to his brother, Allen Babcock, 54106 Overbrook Ct., Shelby Township, Michigan 48316.

Editor's note: A news obituary on Fr. Babcock's life and ministry will be published in Detroit Catholic early next week.