JOHN RICHARD BALAS

BALAS, John Richard 81, of Carver and formerly of Hyde Park & Savin Hill, died peacefully on Feb. 9 after a long illness and valiant battle. He was a man of many names: 'Richie' to family and friends in Boston, 'Dick' at work, 'John' in his retirement on the South Shore and in his vast medical community, 'Dad' to his children of course, 'Grampa' to his eight step-grandchildren and many great-grandchildren in Utah and Texas, and 'Uncle Richie' to his multitudes of nieces, nephews, and many other children who were special to him. John was the son of the late John and Julia (Bartaky) Balas and was a graduate of Dorchester High School for Boys, Class of 1950. After serving in the US Army during the Korean War, he married his childhood and high school sweetheart Anne Louise Cotter on Feb. 13, 1954. The two lived in Savin Hill and Hyde Park where they raised their children. He was a longtime Boston Edison employee, Local 369 Executive Board Member, and member of American Legion Post 40. Richie loved to play golf, travel, being by the ocean, but mostly spending time with family and friends. He was a devoted fan of the Boston Red Sox, New York Giants, and New England Patriots. Loving husband of nearly 61 years to Anne Balas of Carver and devoted father of Richard F. Balas of WA, Robert E. Balas and his wife Patricia of Carver, and Donna L. Balas of Easthampton MA. Brother of Robert F. Balas of WI, Edward J. Balas of Middleboro, Joan Green of Middleboro, William Balas of Plymouth, Frederick Balas of Marstons Mills, Julie Balas of Savin Hill, and Ronald Balas of Plymouth. A funeral home service will be held on Tues. Feb 17 at 10:00am at the Prophett-Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 98 Bedford St. Bridgewater, followed by a burial at Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree. Visitation will be on Mon. from 4-7pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the American Lung Association, 55 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1150, Chicago, IL 60601. For online guestbook and dir.'s visit

www.ccgfuneralhome.com

Prophett-Chapman

Cole & Gleason

508-697-4332