IRVING W. BALLEN

BALLEN--Irving W., died October 14th in his 97th year: full of life until the end. He died surrounded by his family and loved ones. Irving was born in Philadelphia to May and Mike Ballen, but spent his childhood and teenage years in his beloved Atlantic City, New Jersey. It was in Atlantic City that he developed his lifelong love of the ocean and remained a devoted swimmer until shortly before his death. Irving graduated Atlantic City High School, Syracuse University and Yale Law School. He proudly served as a U.S. Navy Captain in World War II, where he was stationed in the Pacific. After graduating from law school, he settled in New York where he raised a family with wife Adrienne Miller Ballen who passed away in 1972. He was the founding partner of McLaughlin, Stern, Ballen and Ballen with his identical twin, Frederick Ballen and practiced law until the age of 88. Irving was a compassionate man who loved people. He couldn't pass a person by who needed help, whether it was a meal or an encouraging word. He cherished his second wife of 39 years Natalie Ballen and was a devoted father to Roger (Lynda), Kate, Sian and stepfather to Steven (Janet) and Barbara (John). He was an adored grandfather to Paul, Amanda, Isobel, Alex, Olivia, William and step-grandfather to Alison, Douglas, Michael and Marcy. Irving will be missed terribly by family, friends and even those who encountered his smile as he walked daily to his favorite bench in Central Park. Services Sunday, October 19, 10am at Temple Emanu-El, Fifth Ave. at 65th St. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Temple Emanu-El where he served as a trustee and General Counsel for many years.