William (Bill) R. Reglein owner/chairman of jj Babbitt Company, Inc. died October 17th in Ocala, Florida after a brief illness. “It is with a heavy heart that I announce Bill’s passing,” said Rocco (Rocky) Giglio, president and chief operating officer of jj Babbitt. “He was a longtime friend to me and my family as well as to many people in the music industry. He will be greatly missed.”
Bill joined the company as a teenager and worked in every aspect of the business. In 1999, he became president of jj Babbitt and, eventually, owner/chairman, serving the company for 52 years. In 2007, Bill placed the firm’s daily operation in the hands of his capable staff, led by Giglio, but remained involved in jj Babbitt’s overall function. Most recently, Bill was integral in planning the celebration of jj Babbitt’s 100th year in business (2019). He was the great-nephew of Jesse J. Babbitt, the company’s founder, and the son of music industry legend Eugene (Bud) Reglein. Funeral arrangements are pending.
