Thomas F. Balanda

KULPMONT - Thomas F. Balanda, 86, of 630 Pine St., passed away Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, after a lengthy illness.

He was born in Shamokin, Nov. 12, 1937, a son of Florian and Mary Balanda.

Tom attended St. Joseph's Elementary School, in Shamokin, and graduated from Coal Township High School, in 1955.

He served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Zellars dd-777, from 1955 to 1958.

Tom married Frances (Nagar), of Kulpmont, Aug. 8, 1964.

Tom worked as a machine operator at Holsum Butter-Krust Bakery for more than 20 years.

Tom was a member of the Church of the Holy Angels, in Kulpmont.

Family was most important to Tom. A strong faith guided Tom through life and he possessed an inquisitive mind. Tom enjoyed reading, gardening and working on odd jobs and various projects around the house.

Following his retirement, Tom could be found trout fishing, playing the slot machines at a variety of casinos, attending local high school sporting events and cheering for the Penn State Nittany Lions on game days.

In addition to those activities, those closest to Tom will remember his unique gift for telling nostalgic stories, providing words of wisdom, offering life advice and embracing all events with spirit and zeal.

In addition to his wife, Frances, Tom is survived by his sons, Thomas Jr. and his wife, Michele, of York, and Mark and his wife, Lisa, of Hershey; sisters, Lois Platt and Mary Yordy; a brother-in-law, Jim; a sister-in-law, Patricia Bingaman; a brother-in-law, John "Jack" Nagar; grandchildren, Alexis, Ryan, and Marisa; nieces, Bethann, Margie and Annette; and a nephew, Chad.

He was preceded in death by his brother, John; a sister-in-law, Jaye; a brother-in-law, Bob Platt; and an uncle, Joseph "Moxie."

BALANDA - Thomas F. Balanda, 86, of 630 Pine St., Kulpmont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, with Father Andrew Stahmer as celebrant at Church of the Holy Angels, Kulpmont. Burial will follow in Mount Carmel Cemetery, Mount Carmel Township. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 1 at the church. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Tom may donate to the Church of the Holy Angels, 855 Scott St., Kulpmont 17834. To send condolences to the family, go to www.cjlucasfuneralhome.com.