Daniel J. Balberchak

Daniel J. Balberchak, 80, a resident of Exeter, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on Friday afternoon at ManorCare Health and Rehabilitation Center, Kingston, where he was a guest for three years.

His devoted wife is Phyllis M. (Brushkoski) Balberchak. Together, Dan and Phyllis celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary on Oct. 2, 2012.

Born on Aug. 5, 1932, Daniel was the son of the late Steven and Mary (Gorzkowski) Balberchak.

Raised in Edwardsville, Dan attended the former Edwardsville High School.

Prior to his retirement, Dan worked as a self-employed carpenter.

A well-known musician and accordion player, Dan played with many bands for about 30 years. Most notably, he played with the 3-D's for 22 years and the Pennsylvania Polka Kats for six years.

Dan was a talented craftsman and artist, designing the home that he and Phyllis built together.

A true family man, Dan cherished every moment he had with his loving wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His presence will be greatly missed, but the legacy he leaves behind will resonate in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

In addition to his parents, Steven and Mary Balberchak, Dan was preceded in death by his sister, Dolores Ribar, and brother-in-law, Joseph Ribar Sr.

In addition to his wife, Phyllis, Dan is survived by his 14 children, Linda McKenna and her husband, Justin, of Bear Creek; Daniel J. Balberchak Jr. and his wife, Donna, of California; Christine Balberchak, of Exeter; Diane Brace, of Edwardsville; Phyllis August and her husband, Joseph, of Hanover Township; Mary Balberchak, of Virginia; David Balberchak and his wife, Debra, of New York; Karen Balberchak, of Luzerne; Mark Balberchak and his wife, Cynthia, of the Back Mountain; John Balberchak and his wife, Mary, of New York; Stephen Balberchak, of West Pittston; Lucas Balberchak and his wife, Beth, of Virginia; Laura LeSoine and her husband, Rick, of Swoyersville; and Matthew Balberchak, of Exeter; his 16 grandchildren; his five great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, which will be conducted at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Wroblewski Funeral Home Inc., 1442 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 116 Hughes St., Swoyersville, with the Rev. Joseph J. Pisaneschi, his pastor, officiating.

Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Cemetery, Schooley Avenue and Sturmer Street, Exeter.

Family and friends are invited to call 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. The Confraternity of Christian Women of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish will recite the rosary at 7:30 p.m.

For additional information or to send the Balberchak family an online message of condolence, you may visit the funeral home website www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com.

The family has requested that flowers be omitted. Memorial contributions may be made in Dan's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Department 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142; to Heartland Hospice, 38 N. Main St., Pittston, PA 18640; or to a charity of the donor's choice.