Anthony John "Duke" Balady Sr.

Anthony John "Duke" Balady Sr, of Durham, North Carolina, and previously of Wayne, New Jersey, died peacefully at his home on February 27, 2023. He was 64. The sixth of eight children, Duke was born on May 23, 1958 in Paterson, New Jersey, to Michael and Sadie Balady. He attended St. George's Elementary School and Dom Bosco Technical High School in Paterson, graduating in 1976.
Being the sixth born, Duke learned to be independent at a young age. He spent many days of his youth playing stick ball in the street and bowling at the Bowl O Mat in Paterson, honing his skill to become an accomplished bowler and a member of the Professional Bowlers Association. He competed in many bowling tournaments and was the proud winner of the Golden Pin in 1993. Duke also established himself as a sharp, disciplined poker player, and he regularly traveled to Las Vegas and Atlantic City to play the tables.
In 1981, on an otherwise uneventful day at the Bowl O Mat, Duke met the love of his life, Patricia Ann "Pati" Lacatena. From that point on, Pati was Duke's biggest fan, cheering him on at the Bowl O Mat and at tournaments throughout the country. Duke and Pati married in 1986. Three children- Anthony Jr, Jessica, and Cynthia- were soon to follow.
Duke had a long, successful career with the Passaic Valley Water Commission, where he was known for his outstanding work ethic, quick wit, and sense of humor. Duke's big-hearted personality led him to develop close bonds with his co-workers. He made a number of life-long friends who were never more than a phone call away. Through the course of his career, Duke learned how to do pretty much everything involving construction and maintenance. Duke developed a particular affinity for painting, and his benevolent spirit led him to share his skills with friends and family. Duke took great pride in helping his children with any number of projects as they grew older and bought homes of their own.
After retiring from the water commission in 2012, Duke and Pati moved to North Carolina to be closer to the kids. Over the years, the family continued to grow- Jessie married Ryan, Cindy married Willson, and Anthony married Hilary. In 2019, Duke became a grandfather to Jessie and Ryan's son, Owen Balady Bostian, and in 2022 to Cooper James Bostian. Duke's immense love for his children and grandchildren was clear to anyone who spend time around him. He loved spending time with Owen and Cooper, and most recently developed a new hobby- hand painting vintage toy cars and trucks for Owen. Since that day at the Bowl O Mat, Pati never strayed from Duke's side. This paid off in 2022, as Duke surprised Pati with her dream car for her 60th birthday- a red Lexus convertible.
Duke loved his family and friends with all of his heart. He was an amazing father, grandfather, brother, colleague, and friend. He touched the lives of countless people. Duke will truly be missed, and he will never, ever, be forgotten.
In addition to his wife, Pati, Duke is survived by brothers Mike Balady (Cathy) and Sam Balady (Darlene); sisters Diana Ferughelli (Paul), Linda Salerno, Judi DeRosa (Jim), Karen Jasterzbski (Tom), and Bernadette Scarano (Joe); his son, Anthony John Balady Jr. and his wife, Hilary Merica; and daughters Jessica Lynne Balady Bostian, and her husband Ryan Archer Bostian and Owen and Cooper; and Cynthia Jeanne Moss, and her husband, Willson Joseph Moss.
Duke is predeceased by his father Michael Balady, mother Sadie Balady, brother-in-law Joe Salerno, and adored family dog, Teddy.
A viewing will be held on Friday, March 3, 2023 from 6PM -9 PM at Gaita Memorial Home, 154 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Little Falls, NJ. A mass will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 9 AM at Our Lady of the Holy Angels Roman Catholic Church, 473 Main St., Little Falls, NJ. Please meet directly at church.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Duke's favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjude.org
Envelopes will also be provided by the funeral home during visiting hours for your convenience.