Judge Babiarz died on Wednesday, July 30.
The Delaware Judiciary is mourning the loss of retired Superior Court Judge John E. Babiarz, Jr., who died on July 30 at the age of 83.
Judge Babiarz served on the Delaware Superior Court for 25 years, from 1985 until his retirement in 2010.
Known for his sharp intellect, fairness, and warm demeanor, he was remembered by colleagues as a cornerstone of the state’s legal community.
“The Court is saddened by the loss of Judge Babiarz,” said Superior Court President Judge Eric M. Davis. “John was intelligent, quick witted, kind and generous. A larger-than-life presence on the Court for many years and a great colleague. He will be dearly missed.”
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A Delaware native and graduate of Salesianum High School, Babiarz earned his law degree from Harvard Law School and joined the Delaware Bar in 1966.
Prior to his judicial appointment, he practiced law for nearly two decades, co-founding the firm Biondi and Babiarz in 1971 and later becoming a partner at Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell in 1979.
He earned respect on the bench for his fiercely independent approach to the law, often described as even-handed and principled, without leaning toward either prosecution or defense.
Babiarz was also deeply connected to Wilmington’s civic legacy.
His father, John Babiarz Sr., served as mayor of Wilmington, and Judge Babiarz spent most of his judicial career in the same Rodney Square courthouse where his father once had an office.
Reflecting on his time on the bench, Babiarz once said, “I can’t wait for tomorrow to come, “and in 2010, days before his retirement, he
remained equally enthusiastic. “I look forward to coming to work every day,” he said.
Judge Babiarz is survived by his wife of 58 years, Linda C. (Whalen) Babiarz; daughters Lisa Loughran of Petaluma, Calif.; Julia Babiarz of Truckee, Calif.; and Amanda Cline and her husband Matthew of Brisbane, Calif.; as well as several grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Francis and Joyce Babiarz.
Raised in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Jarek earned a B.A. in journalism and a B.A. in political science from Temple University in 2021. After running CNN’s Michael Smerconish’s YouTube channel, Jarek became a reporter for the Bucks County Herald before joining Delaware LIVE News.
Jarek can be reached by email at jarek@dimgrey-peafowl-504880.hostingersite.com or by phone at (215) 450-9982. Follow him on Twitter @jarekrutz and on LinkedIn.
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