Heinrich N. "Hank" Babb, Brigadier General, PA Ret., of Willow Hill, PA, passed away in the presence of his loved ones on June 12, 2025, at the Shippensburg Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. He was 83 years old and is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Arlene M. (Oshenic) Babb. Born on January 8, 1942, in Bavaria, Germany, he was the son of the late Hugh Benton and Frieda (Krauss) Babb.

He graduated from Nurnberg American High School in 1961 and then attended Mankato State College in Mankato, Minnesota. In 1964, he enlisted in the Pennsylvania National Guard, serving during the Persian Gulf War, Cold War, and Vietnam War until his retirement in 1998. He received numerous service ribbons and commendation medals throughout his promotions as he advanced through the ranks to become Brigadier General. In his civilian career, he worked as a personnel analyst in training and safety for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation in Harrisburg, PA.

Heinrich was a member of St. Stephen's Catholic Church in McConnellsburg, PA. He held lifetime memberships in the Military Officers Association and the 28th Infantry Division. He was also involved with the Chapel of the Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation and the former Ruritan Club in Fannettsburg. His additional memberships included the Order of St. Barbara, a military honor society; Amvets Post 224 in Chambersburg; and American Legion Post 232 in Spring Run. As a dedicated leader, he inspired many young people and coached basketball, field hockey, and soccer. General Babb received an award from the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation for his commitment to volunteer service. Heinrich also supported the employment of National Guard Reserve members in his role as ombudsman.  Some of Heinrich's volunteer work included Army Family Team Building and Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

Heinrich loved reading books about history and poetry. An avid photographer, he enjoyed capturing images of wildlife and landscapes. He enjoyed fishing at the Outer Banks with family and friends. Heinrich was a devoted sports fan who enjoyed watching various sports, especially his favorite team, FC Bayern Munich.

He is survived by his wife, Arlene, and their two daughters, along with their children: Angela Connelly of Geneva, Switzerland, and her children, Nicholas, Chloe, and Tristan; Heidi McMath (Ashley) of Hustontown, PA, and her children, Quincy and Porter McMath. Also surviving are three brothers: Gerhard "Gary" Babb (his late wife was Beverly) of Chambersburg, and his children, Tammy, Diane, and Jodi; Earl Babb (Diane) of Oklahoma, and his children, Mona, Mary Frances, and Joseph and Charles Babb (significant other, Jen)) of Ft. Meade and his son, Matthew.  In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by an infant brother, Robert.

A Celebration of the life of Heinrich N. Babb will be held July 27, 2025 from 1 to 3 PM on the deck of the Fannettsburg Inn, 11057 Creek Road, Fannettsburg, PA 17221.  Military Honors will be presented at 2 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to one of these organizations:

Metal Twp. Fire & Ambulance, PO Box 185, Fannettsburg, PA 17221, or

Path Valley Outreach, 11057 Creek Road, Fannettsburg, PA 17221, or

Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors, Inc., 1117 Country Club Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011       www.agettlakjer.com