We must live with uncertainty and guide our ship through life's perilous paths or retreat from life into a womb, an illusion, or boredom.
- 65 years old
- Born on August 8, 1953 in Germany.
- Passed away on November 11, 2018 in Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States.
CWO3 Harry Baab, USN Retired, of Virginia Beach, died peacefully in his home on Sunday, November 11, 2018. He was born on August 18, 1953, in Germany to Erich Karl Nikolaus Baab and Hildegard Anna (Hager) Baab.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 41 years, Deborah “Debbie” (Anderson) Baab; daughter Heidi Salway and her husband Kyle; grandchildren Riley Paige and Kaitlyn Malloy; brother Fred Baab; nieces and a nephew; and an extended network of friends that have grown to become family. Harry is predeceased by his mother, father, and sister, Monique (Baab) Rogers.
A military honors service will be held on Friday, November 30, 2018, at Altmeyer Funeral Home (5033 Rouse Dr. Virginia Beach, VA) at 6:00 PM, with a time to gather and share with family and friends until 9:00 PM. The Altmeyer Funeral Home-Southside Chapel is assisting with arrangements.
Memorial gifts recommended to the charity of your choice.
Note: Obituary will be posted to The Virginian Pilot on Sunday, November 25, 2018.
Over the years we have had a lot of good times and so many laughs,
know that your spirit will be with us forever. We love you and will
miss you.
The memories of Harry are fond ones. Such character and poise.
We lost touch many years ago when Bill retired. We would speak of the Baabs from time to time and hear from others little snippets of their lives. We always enjoyed time with them and I know he will be greatly missed. Prayers for the family to be lifted up in this time of need.
The legend of the man and good friend will last for many years. I met Harry at the school house in Lakehurst. We made Chief together in 1986 with a great group that gave back as much as they got on that day in September. Harry was the “cool one” of the group and took it all in stride. When he first put the Chief uniform on he looked like he had been wearing it for 10 years. About 8 years later I ended up working for Harry down at the test sites. It was nice to pick up where we left off a few years back, and he was a good Bosn, who always took care of the troops and above all else made sure they all had time for chow! He made a few of the AB camping weekends where fish stories grew as the night turned into a rising sun. Harry was not a man of many words, but was blunt and truthful when he had something to say. If you listened to his words, there was always a good observation and message there for you. A wonderful person and the world will be a little less without him. With a heavy heart, we say goodbye. Fair Winds and a following Sea.
Sharing my thoughts on Harry Babb is extremely difficult for me. I still can't get my head around the thought of a life without Harry in it. We became friends in 1977 on board USS Constellation. We served on Connie once again together from 82 to 84 where our life long friendship was solidified at instructor training school. For the next 34 years it was a rare week that we didn't at least talk to each other on the phone.
Harry Baab Was more than just a friend to me. He was my Big Brother. He gave me guidance and counseling on things you might normally seek from your father. But since we both lost our fathers at a very young age we supported each other that way. Now that hes gone there's no one else to turn too.
The world lost a great treasure with Harry's passing. His family and I have lost a part of our heart. I will never forget you Harry, Have a cold one waiting for me when we meet again.
When we were kids we did some crazy stuff which brought the wrath of dad but it was fun.We did not get to spend a lot of time together as adults but when we did it was always a good time. I will forever miss you and look back. I was always proud to be able to call you my brother. You were one of the good guys. I love you my brother.
( ps ) Great pics Heidi. Thank you so much.
I remember the day they moved in next door, Glenn handed Harry a beer over the fence and introduced his self. Have been friends ever since. Shared so many good times over the years. Harry we love and will miss you always.
I met Harry onboard the USS Constellation in 1976/77. The next time I saw him was in Lakehurst NJ in later 80’s. We sat at the Club on base and had a few. Debrah had to come and pick him up. I appologized for being a bad influence. It was nice to meet her. I didn’t see him again until I was at a ALRE Conference and he was giving on presentation. CWO by then. There was a bond with that crew on the Connie I can’t describe. So I regret that I’m writing this and miss him. God Bless your Family HB and Rest In Peace brother.
Rickey Roach CWO3 (ret).
Harry was a fantastic friend and a fabulous AB. It was always a pleasure talking with Harry. He will definitely be missed. Farewell My Brother!
Harry Baab was a wonderful person.
He will be missed forever.
“Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. I am so sorry for your loss.”