Richard C. Ballard

BALLARD, RICHARD CANNING Richard Canning Ballard, age 70, beloved son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather, of Guilford, passed away on Sunday, December 22, losing his battle with pancreatic cancer. He was the husband of 30 years to the late Joanne Bailey. Richard was born December 4, in Waterbury, CT, son of the late Richard E. and Marguerite C. Ballard. Richard graduated from the New York Military Academy and went on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of New Haven. Richard served one tour in Vietnam as an Army Infantry Officer (1st LT) from 1968-69. He received several awards including the Army Air Medal for volunteering and successfully completing over 30 deep reconnaissance helicopter missions. Richard later went on to work for the USPS and then eventually retired from the Metro North Railroad. Richard was a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was through the church that he met his wife and made many life long friendships. Richard was a very kind and generous man, who consistently displayed an unselfish love to all he knew and anyone in need. Father of Michael (Kristine) Ballard of Idaho, Bill (Missy) Ballard of Florida, Scott (Laurie) Ballard of Guilford, Sarah (Drew) Ferrillo of South Carolina, Julie (Martin) Potter of N. Branford, and Seth Ballard of Granby. Richard is also survived by his 16 grandchildren and two sisters; Anne Ballard of Branford and Beth Ballard of Milford. The family would like to express their thanks and gratitude to the nurses and staff at Gladeview Retirement Center in Old Saybrook. Funeral services were held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Madison on Thursday, December 26. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Humanitarian Fund. Arrangements in care of the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St, Guilford. To share a memory or leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit: www.GuilfordFuneralHome.com