Peter Joseph Babnis

We will always remember Pete when we play his song “Keep rocking in the free world” by Neal Young and recall him strumming the electric guitar with his eyes closed singing at the top of his lungs.

Peter Joseph Babnis passed away in his loving home in St George, Utah on January 10, 2021 after a 3 and half year valiant battle with neuro-endocrine cancer. 

Pete lived life’s moments to the absolute fullest. He did not let cancer get in the way of being present in life every day. He battled with grace, and so many did not even know how truly sick he was over the last few years. He wanted to enjoy “life’s moments” and: not let cancer define his life or who he was”. He truly was able to do what he loved most – be with his family and friends, play golf and be healed by the natural beauty of St. George and the red rocks.

Pete was born to Peter and Regina Babnis in Sharon Pennsylvania on December 3rd, 1955.  He is survived by his wife, Sheila and his two sons, Peter and Matthew and Peter’s wife Cindy.  He is also survived by three of his sisters, Bonnie Kinch, Linda Babnis and MaryLou Sanata.

Peter went to school at Kennedy Christian, Gannon University, Slippery Rock State University and Southern Connecticut where he was active in academics, music, theater and counseling.  He had degrees in psychology, student personnel services and school counseling.  His love of music and theater continued through-out his life. He absolutely loved listening to music and had an ability to apply powerful lyrics to everyday life.  Words in song spoke to him.   And it made such an impact on Pete through-out his battle with cancer.  He spent many an afternoon out on the deck listening to Bob Dylan, Richie Havens, John Lennon, Billy Joel and many others.

He had a wonderful childhood growing up in the small town of Sharon PA.  And he had the fortune of living in Milford and Madison, Connecticut; Ann Arbor, Michigan; San Carlos, California; Basel, Switzerland and most recently he lived in the wonderful town of St George, Utah.  The opportunity to live in all these unique and special places shaped and formed him – he lived in a place of appreciation, an acknowledgement of the importance of creating lasting memories and a love of diversity and varying perspectives. 

Pete purpose in life was “to heal hearts”; and it showed up every day in his relationships, interactions and his work with children and young adults.  His life’s motto was “kindness.”  He has touched the lives of so many of his students, teachers, administrators and parents through dialogue, listening and engaging the community.

Pete is so loved by his family and friends.  He will always be with them in the lyrics of his favorite songs and he can be there when they need him.

Imagine all the people sharing all the world, You may say I'm a dreamer but I'm not the only one I hope someday you'll join us and the world will be as one.  John Lennon, Imagine

There will be no viewing or open service.  Pete’s wishes were to be cremated and to share his ashes with his family and spread them in the wind at Half Moon Bay and his home town of Sharon. 

In lieu of flowers the family requests you send a donation to AT THE CROSSROADS scholarship fund (501C donation) or a straight donation to them can be done by connecting with Missy at 801-690-6247 or sending a check to them at 139 North 100 West, St George UT  84770  (https://www.atthecrossroads.com)