In Memoriam: Frank Babbitt

Local 73 is mourning the loss of long-time member and steward Frank Babbitt.

Babbitt passed away in February after a brief battle with cancer. Babbitt was an accomplished viola player, talented vocalist, and 28-year member of the Chicago Lyric Opera Orchestra. Additionally, Babbitt was a dedicated unionist who worked with Local 73 and the American Federation of Musicians. In 2014 he began teaching applied violin and viola at Loyola University, where he was an active member of his union as a steward. He played a pivotal role in organizing adjunct professors at Loyola and securing their first contract.

“Frank Babbitt will be remembered for his generosity, sense of humor, and immense talent,” said Local 73 President Dian Palmer. “We send our condolences to Babbitt’s family, friends, and colleagues.”