John S. Babbitt II, 80, of Canisteo, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at St. James Hospital in Hornell, N.Y.
A retired science teacher at the former Canisteo Central School, John was deeply rooted in his community. He gave over 50 years to the Canisteo Fire Department and was also active with the Canisteo Rotary Club, Kanestio Historical Society, KLARA (ham radio club), and Allegany County Bird Club.
He is survived by his wife, Suzanne Babbitt of Canisteo; sons Jay (Lorraine) Babbitt of Framingham, Mass., Jeff (Angela) Babbitt of Fillmore, and Brian (Val) Babbitt of Oakland, Calif.; and grandchildren Christopher, Kyle, Dylan, Kirsten, Evan, and Juniper.
A native of Houghton, N.Y., John grew up on the family farm before graduating from Rushford Central School in 1964. He went on to study science at Houghton College, where he met his bride-to-be, Suzanne Osterhout. They graduated together in 1968, married in 1969, and both spent their entire careers teaching at Canisteo Central School. Over 33 years in the classroom, John taught generations of students Earth Science, leaving a lasting mark on the community he served. After retiring in 2001, he and Sue set off to see the world together, traveling to Israel, Iceland, Italy, the Galapagos, and beyond.
An avid birder, photographer, and local history enthusiast, John rarely went anywhere without a camera in hand, documenting the people, places, and experiences that enriched his life.
John also built a successful photography business, capturing portraits, weddings, and community events over the years. At every photo session, Suzanne was by his side as his trusted assistant, always ready with a flash or fresh roll of film. His photography also opened doors to unique opportunities, including a media press pass that took him to Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremonies in Cooperstown, N.Y., and Presidential inaugurations in Washington, D.C. That same love of photography and local history led him to write two books, A Postcard History of the Genesee River and A Postcard History of Steuben County.
John’s life was grounded in a steady, lifelong Christian faith. A member of Buena Vista Wesleyan Church, he joyfully served in the nursery and at Vacation Bible School, and while wintering in Florida, was involved with Englewood Methodist Church.
He was predeceased by his parents, John and Muriel Babbitt, and is survived by his brother, Steven (Sharon) Babbitt of Rochester, N.Y., sister, Susan (Allan) DeJong of Berwyn, Pa., brother-in-law John (Barb) Osterhout of Los Gatos, Calif., and good friends Craig (Sally) Braack of Andover, N.Y. and David (Marie) Barringer of Bergen, N.Y.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, August 9, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Buena Vista Wesleyan Church, Cty. Rte. 69, Canisteo. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m., followed by a meal and fellowship.
Memorial contributions may be made to either the Canisteo Fire Dept., 14 South Main St., Canisteo, NY 14823, or Buena Vista Wesleyan Church, 6034 Cty. Rte. 69, Canisteo, NY 14823.
Arrangements are in the care of H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo.
A full and complete obituary can be read online along with shared condolences and memories at hpsmithandsonfuneralhome.com
