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FUNERAL HOME

Stephens Funeral Home, Inc. - Allentown

274 N Krocks Rd

Allentown, Pennsylvania

John Balliet Obituary

Name: Calling hours for John Balliet
Start: 2016-09-14T13:00:00.000Z
End: 2016-09-14T15:00:00.000Z
Location: Stephens Funeral Home, Inc. - Allentown

John J. Balliet, 65, of Allentown, passed away Thursday, September 8, 2016 in the Lehigh Valley Hospital Inpatient Hospice Unit, Allentown surrounded by his loving family. John was the husband of Kathy L. (Steiger) Balliet. They were married for 25 years. John was born in Allentown a son of the late Franklin S. and Agnes B. (Bohrer) Balliet. He was a graduate of Parkland High School Class of 1968. He was a member of the 1966 undefeated Parkland Football team who was most recently inducted into the school's Hall of Fame. John joined the Marines in 1969. He served in Vietnam with the 1st Reconnaissance B.N. 1st Marine Division. He was involved in numerous close range fire fights with the NVA and the Viet Cong. John was awarded many medals including a Bronze Star, with combat "V". He was a re-con Marine to the core. Semper Fi. John was a member of the Allentown Police Department in the mid 70's working with the tactical squad and was awarded several commendations for his actions. He left the department to pursue his love of flying. John was employed by Northwest Airlines where he served in various capacities including Director of Flying, Chief Pilot for Detroit Flight Operations, Chief Pilot, Honolulu Flight Operations, Instructor Pilot B767, B727, 727 and Special Projects Pilot. He retired from Delta Airlines April 12, 2016. Throughout his career he was committed to using his talents as a pilot to provide military troop transports into the war zones of the Middle East. He was a member of Cedar Luther Church, Allentown and the Dream Mile Club. Survivors: Wife; brothers, Joseph R. husband of Gail Balliet of Annville and James F. husband of Melissa A. Balliet of Allentown; sisters, Louise B. wife of James L. Haines, Jr. of Allentown and Alice B. wife of Noel Peters of Allentown, nieces and nephews. Services: 11:00 A.M. Wednesday in the Stephens Funeral Home, Inc. 274 North Krocks Road, Allentown. Call 9:00 - 11:00 A.M. Wednesday in the funeral home. Military honors will conclude the service in the garden of the funeral home. Private interment will be in the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. www.stephensfuneral.com. Contributions: Marine Corps Heritage Foundation P.O. Box 96628 Washington DC 20090-6628, Cedar Lutheran Church 3419 Broadway Allentown, PA 18104, Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue 60 Vera Cruz Road Reinholds PA 17569, or St. Jude's Children Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105.

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Published by Morning Call on Sep. 11, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for John Balliet

Sponsored by Stephens Funeral Home, Inc. - Allentown.

21 Entries

Scott Mitchell

September 5, 2024

Scott Mitchell

September 5, 2024

Scott Mitchell

September 5, 2024

On a Pub Crawl in Ireland, February 2004. Great memories with John.

WORTMAN Jack

September 5, 2022

I still think of Jack a lot today. I miss out daily talks. I am sad that he never got the opportunity to teach me to fly fish. I am sad that we never got the chance to do that cross country on motorcycles.

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Captain Larry Balliet

March 6, 2018

I know we are relatives, all Balliets' are. Sorry to the family for the loss. I would like to hear from y'all. I am retired TWA/American Airlines Captain. I have visited Ballietsville. I own a copy of Balliet book. I learned of your loss when ALPA published memorial list. I found this sight with a search of John by name. I live in Calif. Please email me I would like to connect with you.
I only wish I could have connected with John(Jack), he obviously was well loved.
Sincerely, Captain Larry Balliet

David Godley

November 9, 2017

Im sorry for ur lost but I might have one of his dog tag

Jack Wortman

March 31, 2017

Whisky AGo Go. Jack and I had just plastered promo pictures of my daughter all over the bathroom walls and didn't get caught!!!

Jack Wortman

March 31, 2017

Jack Wortman

March 31, 2017

Jack and I were "brothers of a different Mother". Both, Marines to the core, Jack was what a Marine could and should be, whereas I was always pushing the envelope and in trouble. The same carried over to our careers at Northwest Airlines. The day I met him, I was once again in trouble with the higher ups. Jack later became my chief pilot and I was his air safety chairman. Together, many wonderful advancements in safety were achieved. There is hardly a day that goes by, that I am reminded of him in some way. Cathy, if you ever need me for anything, pick up the phone and call and Barb and I will there. Its what he would do. I love him, I miss him and I will always be be thinking of him. I know he is looking down, shaking his head and saying, "Suck it up Marine, that's the breaks of Naval Air. Go Yankees!!!!

Rick Rabenold

September 22, 2016

Fair wind and following seas, RIP my Recon Brother....Semper Fidelis...

September 21, 2016

As a former NWA employee, I used to see John regularly when he would commute in/out of ABE. He was never without a smile, a big hello and a great story. He was such a positive force and anyone that knew him adored him. Although I hadn't seen him in years, I'm truly saddened by his passing. My deepest sympathy to his family and all who knew him.

The Handlon Family

September 16, 2016

To the entire Balliet Family,

Please accept our family's condolences on John's passing. He was truly a special individual, who always strove for perfection. He served as an inspiration to so many, in all that he accomplished in his life. He will be missed, yet stays alive in all the hearts that he touched over the years. You all will be in our prayers.

Dan Link

September 14, 2016

Dear Kathy, I am so saddened by John's passing and send my condolences to you and your family. You do not know me, but my name is Dan Link. I am not sure if John ever mentioned me but we have a history together as young cops and aviators. Our Lieutenant paired John and I together during night shift on 32 East(patty wagon) and when John found out that I had my private pilots license all we ever talked about was our love of airplanes, flying and how great it would be to fly for a living instead rolling around on the ground with "scumbags".
As time went on our friendship grew and we spent time together, not only as cops but as fellow pilots. John was further ahead in his aviation ratings than I, and revealed to me his plan to leave APD and fly. I was envious. My wife was pregnant with our first child and I thought that there was no possible way I could leave a secure job for the unknown. John thought otherwise. With his guidance, his knowledge and caring friendship he changed the course of my life. I will forever be in his debt for helping me pursue and have a successful aviation career. I truly regret not staying in touch, cherish our conversation last month and am saddened by not being able to follow through with our plans to hang out. John was my friend, a Marine's Marine, a Cop's Cop, a Pilot's Pilot and truly one of a kind. He will be sadly missed. Sincerely, Dan Link

Gunny Svaby,USMCR(ret.)

September 14, 2016

Always was told by MANY Lehigh Valley people, John was everything a Marine should be. I still get unsolicited compliments about his demeanor, being an "AIR WINGER" myself

John Whelden

September 13, 2016

I remember John from when we were children. My brother Richard and I lived near the Balliets in Dorneyville. We would play together, swim in the Balliets pool, and ride on the same school bus . We are both saddened to hear of Johns early death.

Bruce Boyle

September 13, 2016

Jack led a life filled with achievement and success and served his country with both pride and honor. You will be missed but never forgotten my friend. My prayers and condolences go out to your family. RIP Jack

Jane Ashner

September 12, 2016

Kerrie, I never met your dad but yet I feel I knew him by the beautiful way you always spoke about him. My sympathy to you and your family. Always cherish the wonderful memories you have of your dad and know he will always be near you. I am so sorry for your loss and continue to pray for you and your family. Take care with love.

gus kartsotis

September 12, 2016

Dear friend we will never forget you wit and humble charm God Bless you GUS and Sophia Kartsotis

George Younker

September 11, 2016

John---you were a great friend and a great guy. When young we were neighbors, played sports together, after the military you were in my karate classes. We shared many stories together. Our lives moved on but I remember you as a good friend. Condolences to your other friends and family.

Scott & Linda Mitchell

September 11, 2016

Kathy and the Balliet family,

We are sadden by John's passing. As you know, he fought a courageous battle and always stayed positive.

Throughout his life, he connected with so many people from all walks of life. Everyone that knew will have lasting memories of his friendship, kindness, humor and his dedication to family, friends and country. Our memories of John will last forever.

Our thoughts and prayers are with John and his family.

Stephen Hujsa

September 11, 2016

My most sincere condolences to the Balliet families. Prayers to help heal your sadness.

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