Howard O. Balcom

NATICK Howard O. Balcom died after a period of declining health, Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008, at home surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Jean (Sutherland) Balcom, to whom he was married for 65 years. Born in Natick on Jan. 15, 1920, he was the son of Howard M. Balcom and Mary (Magorty) Balcom. He was a graduate of Natick High School, Class of 1938 and Hancock College of Aeronautics, Santa Maria, Calif., in 1943. Until his retirement, he was employed by New England Telephone Co. in the engineering department for 36 years. A veteran of World War II, Howard served in the Pacific Theatre with the 7th Air Force as flight engineer, and after pilot training was assigned to the 8th Air Force in England, where he completed 30 missions over Germany as a B-17 (Flying Fortress) pilot. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart, and the Air Medal with 4 Oak Leaf clusters. He was honorably discharged from the Air Force with the rank of major. Bub, as he was affectionately known, had a lifelong passion for aviation. In his youth, he built model airplanes, and while in the Air Force, he piloted B-17s, and after returning to civilian life, he enjoyed attending air shows around the U.S., and building and flying radio controlled models. He was a member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics, the Charles River Radio Control Club, the Caterpillar Club (indicating an emergency parachute jump from a disabled plane), and the 306th Bomber Group Association. He also enjoyed traveling. He and Jean visited all 50 states and some 20 countries and made many trips to Pennsylvania to see his daughter. When at home, Howard liked to play golf, tend his gardens and spend time with family and friends. A lifetime resident of Natick, Howard was an elected Town Meeting member for over 30 years. He was a member of Fisk Memorial Methodist Church, where he served on the Board of Trustees, the Administrative Board, and the Finance Commission, and participated in the Methodist Mens Club. Howard also was a member of the Telephone Pioneers and the Fairs n Squares Dance Club. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Richard of Waltham; his daughter, Paula, and her husband, Thomas Ballaron, of Camp Hill, Penn.; his granddaughter, Julia Ballaron, also of Camp Hill; a brother, William of Kansas City, Mo.; a sister, Marguerite of Florida, and many nieces and nephews. He was brother of the late Alfred, Joseph, and Mary (Balcom) Hoban. Visiting hours will be held Friday, Sept. 26, from 4 to 8 p.m., at the John C. Bryant Funeral Home, 56 Pemberton Road, Cochituate. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Sept. 27, at 2 p.m., at Fisk Memorial Methodist Church, 106 Walnut St., Natick. Donations in his memory may be made to the memorial fund at his church, the American Parkinson Disease Association, MA Chapter, 715 Albany St., Suite C329, Boston, MA 02118, or a charity of choice.