Thomas Balko

1952 - 2025

Thomas Balko

August 8, 1952 - September 1, 2025

Lexington, Kentucky - Thomas George Balko passed away peacefully on September 1, 2025. Tom was born in Pittsburgh to a working class family. He was baptized at St Mary's Byzantine Catholic church, where he later became an altar boy. He attended St. Nicholas School before moving to Lexington. He graduated from Lexington Catholic High School where he was an exceptional student and athlete, playing basketball, baseball and running track. He went on to graduate from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Clinical Psychology. Also, during this time he was a reliable newspaper deliverer for 12 years! Tom held various jobs and traveled across the country, especially enjoying the National Parks. He lived briefly in California before returning to Lexington, where he found his calling as a Rehab instructor at Eastern State Hospital. There he was appreciated by staff and patients alike. The best thing was that there he met his future wife, Lisa Hagan, an Occupational therapist at the hospital. They married and had three beautiful boys. He retired after 25 years of service. Thereafter, he enjoyed traveling with his family to see relatives in Daytona Beach and in Pittsburgh. He avidly read every issue of Sports Illustrated cover to cover. He volunteered himself as third base coach for his sons' baseball teams. His love of sports and music never wavered. He also enjoyed crossword puzzles, boggle and hosting family birthday dinners.

Tom was generous to a fault, especially when he took on the role of caretaker for his aging mother. He gladly nursed and cared for her over seven years until he suffered a stroke and was unable to continue his caregiver duties. At that point, he became a stroke survivor and happily lived another four years in spite of being paralyzed on one side of his body. In a period of one month, his health rapidly declined and he passed peacefully in his sleep.

He and Lisa raised three young men, Michael Charles, Charles Joseph (Serena Fister Mesch) and Daniel, all of whom became Eagle Scouts. He was preceded in death by his father, Mike Balko Jr; mother, Lillian (Hromey); and his brother, Dr. Michael Gregory Balko (Julia). He is also survived by his brother, Dr. James Balko (Teresa) of Arizona; sister, Bonnie Alexander (Benjamin) of Lexington; and nephew, Zevin Taylor Balko of Lexington.

His kindness will be missed by all who knew him. Keep on smiling, Tom! Please visit www.milwardfuneral.com for more information.