Captain Clifford Eugene Babson

Captain Clifford Eugene Babson

April 8, 1965 - August 27, 2025

Clifford Eugene Babson, officer in the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command (MSC) and First Officer, Chief Mate of USNS Amelia Earhart, died unexpectedly on August 27, 2025, while enroute to Singapore.

Cliff loved the sea, and found his true calling with the U.S. Merchant Marine, navigating the open sea, moving cargo and visiting countless ports of call. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts and grew up in Needham. After graduation from Needham High School in 1983, he joined the U.S. Navy and served for four years. Subsequently, he joined the U.S. Merchant Marine as an Able Seaman and worked on many vessels all over the world. He later joined MSC (Military Sealift Command) and served for many years including during the Gulf War. He rose to the rank of captain before leaving to build a life and home in Lansing, New York with his wife Eileen and their daughter, Isabella. Water would continue as a thread in this life, as they shaped a life filled with creativity, beloved dogs, and the beauty of Cayuga Lake. Cliff brought mechanical and operational expertise to his work as an energy efficiency engineer in Lansing, but returned to the life of a professional mariner, his true calling, when Isabella left for college in 2023. Like many of his Babson ancestors, Cliff was at home on the sea, and treasured the work, the camaraderie, and life on the open water.

Cliff is survived by his wife Eileen Stout and their daughter Isabella Babson; his mother Diana Orsogna Babson, father Roger W. Babson (Deborah); siblings Roger B., Paul (Joanne), Ian (Sara), Patricia Babson and Norah Davis (Stephen); several aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; and many friends, coworkers and shipmates. Please join Cliff’s family for a celebration of his life at The Villa, 124 East Plain Street, Wayland, Massachusetts 01778, on Saturday, September 27, 2025 from Noon till 3 pm. A second celebration will be held in Lansing, NY at The Corner Pub at Rogues Harbor on Sunday, October 12, 2025 from 2 till 5 pm.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Clifford Babson’s name to the New England Center and Home for Veterans (nechv.org), 17 Court Street, Boston, MA 02108.