Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Bernard Balas Obituary
June 14, 1939 - March 24, 2025
Wilimington, North Carolina - We sadly announce the passing of Bernard David Balas on March 24, 2025, at the age of 85. He died peacefully at his home in Wilmington, NC, surrounded by family.
Bernie was born on June 14, 1939, in Wilkes-Barre, PA. As a child, he lived in Baltimore, MD, and Charlotte, NC, where he attended Charlotte Catholic High School and was a multisport athlete who particularly excelled on the football field. He attended UNC Chapel Hill, majoring in Economics and serving as social chairman of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. After graduation in 1961 he joined the US Navy as a communications officer and served his country for two years on the USS Shangri-La. He later earned an MS in Personnel Administration from UNC.
While living in Pound Ridge, NY, and Brussels, Belgium, he had a very successful career at General Foods until his retirement in 1991. He ultimately served as head of human resources at General Foods International. In retirement, he enjoyed life with family and friends at Landfall in Wilmington, NC, and South Bar on Harbour Island in the Bahamas.
Along with his beloved wife Betsy, Bernie had three children: Liz, Laura, and Neil, and four grandchildren: Lauren, Miles, Gordie, and Sam. He cherished his family and is now reunited with Laura.
Bernie will be fondly remembered for many things, including his kind and generous nature, sharp wit, love of reading, tennis, and golf, abundant good friends, and his devotion to his family.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Therese Catholic Church in Wrightsville Beach on June 7th at 11:00 am.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bernard Balas
Sponsored by The Charlotte Observer.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Make a Donation
in Bernard Balas's name
Memorial Events
for Bernard Balas
How to support Bernard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Bernard Balas's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
