Bernard J. "Bernie" Balon

1940 - 2018

Bernard J. Balon, 77 of Manchester, CT, loving husband for 53 years of Atsuko "Annie" (Tomita) Balon, died Thursday, April 26, 2018 at his home after a courageous battle with cancer. Bernie was born in Manchester on November 24, 1940, son of the late Benjamin and Catherine (Schnobel) Balon, and was a lifelong resident. He was a decorated military veteran, enlisting in the US Air Force in 1959, serving 4 years in Japan where he not only learned the trade of photography, but where he met the love of his life Atsuko. Of his most prestigious honors was being picked as outstanding American enlisted personnel serving in the Far East. Prior to retiring in 2000, he was a professional newspaper photographer working for several newspapers including the Hartford Courant and the Journal Inquirer. Aside from being an avid photographer, he also was a fisherman, gardener, and carpenter. After retirement, he and his wife loved to go to the casino and just spend time together. He was a humble soul, enjoying the little things in life, especially sitting and listening to the rain or just going out for a Sunday drive, often stopping for ice cream. Besides his wife, he is survived by a daughter and two sons, Teresa Brown and her spouse Steven of Amston, Stephen Balon and his wife Yoshiko Sato of Woodbridge, and Edward Balon of Enfield; four grandchildren, Cameron Brown, Stephanie Brown, Iwao "Gen" Sato and his wife Miyuki, and Amanda Carter; a sister and brother, Elizabeth Niemczyk and her husband Richard of Vernon, David Balon and his wife Ruth of Vernon, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister Margaret Koehler of Vernon. Visiting hours for family and friends will be held Tuesday, May 1, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home, 400 Main Street, Manchester. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:30 AM at St. Bridget Church, 80 Main Street, Manchester. Burial will be private in the Connecticut State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice, in memory of Bernie. To leave a message for his family please visit www.holmeswatkins.com.