Notices

The Loyola University Chicago community mourns the death of Frank Babbitt, a former music faculty member in the Department of Fine and Performing Arts, who passed away on Friday, February 10, after a brief battle with cancer.  

Babbitt, who was an accomplished member of the Chicago Lyric Opera Orchestra for 28 years, began his Loyola tenure in 2014 by teaching applied violin and viola. He frequently coached chamber ensembles, led symphony orchestra sectionals, and sat in with the orchestra for performances until his departure from the University in 2021.  

Prior to joining the Chicago Lyric Opera Orchestra in 1996, Babbitt earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music and Drama from Lawrence University and a Master of Music degree in Violin Performance from SUNY Stony Brook. In addition to teaching at Loyola, he was a member of the faculty at Lawrence and the Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University.  

Babbitt will be remembered by friends and colleagues for his musicianship, commitment to teaching, wit, intelligence, and warmth. 

Information regarding funeral arrangements will be released by the family at a later date.  

Please keep Frank and his family, as well as all those whose lives he touched in your thoughts and prayers.