Carol Ann Babina, beloved wife of John Babina Jr., passed away peacefully on October 24, 2025. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1945, to the late Ernest and Elena Petito, Carol graduated at the top of her class from the UConn School of Pharmacy in 1967. While at UConn, she became the first female station manager in Connecticut at the student-run radio station, where she met her future husband, John.
Carol began her career at Norwalk Hospital, where she initiated a safer “unit dose” system for patient medication. She later pursued her love of radio, co-founding WMNR Fine Arts Radio with John. The station went on the air in 1973.
As WMNR’s assistant manager for over four decades, Carol was the mighty force behind its financial success, organizing pledge drives that raised $17 million. In recognition of their work, Carol and John were inducted into the Connecticut Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2024.
Carol is survived by her husband John; her devoted son John III (wife Robyn); cherished grandsons, Jay and Alex; her sister, Kathleen Penfield (husband Edward); and many loving in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
The family thanks their loving caregivers, Bernadine and Astou.
Visiting hours will be 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct 29, at Spadaccino Funeral Home, Monroe. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, Oct 30, at 10:30 a.m., at Saint Jude Parish, Monroe, followed by burial.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to WMNR Fine Arts Radio or the National M.S. Society.
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