Varis Karlis "Chuck" Babris
Varis Karlis "Chuck" Babris, 82, died peacefully on January 1, 2024. Chuck and his sister, Mara, were members of the PHS Class of '60.
Chuck was born in June 11, 1941, to the late Karlis and Gaida Babris. After his father died early in WWII, Chuck and his sister, Mara, were taken by their mother to Germany, where they lived for six years before moving to the US (NYC) on 1950.
The family later moved to Paramus where, after graduation Chuck became a special patrolman officer in Paramus, beginning a long and successful career in law enforcement.
Drafted in 1964, Chuck proudly served his Country in the US Army and was honorably discharged in 1966. He used the G I bill to attend Rutgers University, where he received his bachelors degree in accounting. Chuck began his career with the NJ State Police in 1972, retiring in 1997 as a Lieutenant Detective.
Chuck's passion for the police forces was renowned, and he became a national figure in the support and efforts for the men and women in blue. He was known as a strong leader and had the ability to alternately anger and then endear himself to the same folks. Chuck pulled no punches and was fiercely loyal to the State Police's representative organizations, serving in the STFA, The National Troopers Coalition, The Superior Officers Association and as President of the New Jersey State Police NCO's Union.
Chuck would do anything for his family, friends and colleagues and could always be counted on in a time of need.
Chuck was also a volunteer Fireman for the Paramus Fire Department for more than a decade. Following his retirement from the NJSP, Chuck served the State of New Jersey in the Department of Labor as Confidential Assistant to the Commissioner of Labor.
Chuck was preceded in death by his wife, Candace Cronin, and his brother in law, Michael Conys. Surviving are his daughters Tamara Schmidt (partner Nancy Schiliro) and Alexis Wistermayer (husband John), his dear sister, Mara Conys, his nieces and nephews, Debbie, Laura, John "JR" Liam, Sean, Michelle, Michael and Aiden as well as extended family, fellow troopers and firefighters.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8pm on Friday, January 12, at Cusick Funeral Home, 80 mountain Avenue. Somerville, NJ 08876.
Funeral services will be held at 10am on Saturday, January 13, at St. John's Episcopal Church, 158 West High Street, Somerville, NJ 08876. Family and friends are welcome to gather at the funeral home beginning at 9am.
State Trooper, Fireman's and Military Honors will be rendered following the church service in front of the Old Somerset County Court House on East Main Street at approximately 11am.