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BORN
1952
DIED
2025
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Larry Ballerine Obituary
Born: February 23, 1952
Died: June 9, 2025
Larry Ballerine, 73, of Peru, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 9, 2025.
He was born on February 23,1952 in Spring Valley to Eugene and Katie (Torri) Ballerine. There, he was raised along with his five sisters. He was a proud lifelong resident of the Illinois Valley.
Larry attended ICS grade school, graduated from St. Bede in 1970, and attended Quincy College, where he was an English major. He was a carpenter for many years and was known to be very competent and hard working.
Larry was also known for his kind heart and vibrant spirit. He was passionate about traveling, cooking, reading, and being with family and friends. He was especially passionate about live music and was a devoted supporter of local musicians, artists, restaurants and businesses of any kind. Not so long ago you could find Larry at many Grateful Dead shows, dancing along with his fellow deadheads. His joyful spirit carried over to family traditions as well. Thank you, Larry, for picking tie-dye as our family reunion t-shirt color!
Larry supported his fellow AA members by assisting at local meetings and for many years volunteered at the Hall Township Food Pantry, a cause close to his heart. Memorial contributions in his name may be directed there at 500 North Terry Street, Spring Valley, IL 61362
Larry is survived by his son, Carlo, 34, of LaSalle, sisters, Jeannie (Elmer) Liesse of Peru, Kathy (Jim) Navota of Aurora, IL, and Lisa (Chris) Koehler of Plano, TX. Also, eleven nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters and two brothers in law, Margaret (Neil) Vannucci of California and Linda (John) Carter of Colorado.
A Celebration of Life for Larry will be held on Saturday, June 21st, at the Ladd Community Center, 303 S. Central Ave., from 3-6 PM.
The Barto Funeral Home, Spring Valley, is honored to be assisting Larry's family. A guestbook may be signed and memories shared by visiting bartofh.com.
Larry was loved by so many and will be deeply missed.
"Fare you well, fare you well, I love you more than words can tell. Listen to the river sing sweet songs to rock my soul." Grateful Dead (1970)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Larry Ballerine
Sponsored by Barto Funeral Home - Spring Valley.
Dario Benvenuti
July 13, 2025
My heartfelt sympathy to all friends and family of Larry
Quite a guy loved by all
John Hayden
June 24, 2025
One of those rare people who could light up a room by just being there. He will be missed.
Dan B.
June 23, 2025
I´ll miss you Larry, particularly at meetings. So long my friend.
Bev and Matt Koeo
June 20, 2025
Thinking of you all and smiling at the beautiful write up of Larry’s life. What an inspiring and full life Larry lived. Sending hugs and prayers to you all as you celebrate Larry’s life. Love: Bev and Matt
John Gaughan
June 19, 2025
What a great guy. Gone too soon. He had the best sense of humor in the class of 1970. He will be missed by all who had the honor of knowing him
Jane Malone-Miller
June 18, 2025
Such a dear and profound loss for the Ballerine family and all those who knew and cared about Larry. We wish you strength and the comfort of each other and your shared memories as you both celebrate Larry’s life and mourn his absence. ♥♥♥
Much love, Jane Malone-Miller and Mike Miller
Sarah Torri
June 18, 2025
I didn't know the origin of the Tie Dyes' transformation from being The Purples. How perfect. Sending a hug with happy memories of being with Larry at Torri Family Reunions. Love Sarah (Red)
Nothing left to do but smile, smile, smile
Koehler
June 17, 2025
Steven Buckman
June 17, 2025
Larry and I were friends since we were 3 years old. We were inseparable as kids, playing Little League, Babe Ruth (Pony) League, whiffle ball and going to high school everday to name a few things we did together. He came to my Bar Mitzvah and my Wedding. I will miss him dearly. I know the highlight of his last few years was the World Series victory of his beloved White Soxs. I know he will seek out Minnie and Nellie to tell him how much he loved watching them play. Say hi to Linda and the rest of the Ballerine Family and be sure to be timely for the 5 pm supper.
Christine Uebel
June 17, 2025
Larry (Balls) was a great guy with a big heart and a super smile. Sorry I will be out of town for his Celebration of Life. He will be missed by many.
Patricia Boroski
June 16, 2025
Lisa and family,
So sorry to read about Larry, he was truly one of the good ones!
Would see him and talk with him at the food pantry. Such great memories of him growing up on 5th
Always was such a happy soul !!
Bless him and sending love and sympathy to you all.
RIP Larry
Love,
Patty (Prokup) Boroski
Jack Boroski
max Billard
June 15, 2025
larry and l met in the early 70's.we became very close, almost inseperable friends from then on. between camping trips picnics, and 100'sof parties (with tons of good friends), our annual christmas tree hunt, canoe races, white sox games at the old comiskey, barney's lake,and the bears games of the 70's, 80,s,and 90's. we only missed a couple games in those 20+ years, and Larry sat on my left for every game. later, we texted during the games because the wouldn't listen anyway. and what a sense of humor that man had. he was also one of the best read people l know. Larry had strong beliefs in what was right,and could get cantankerous ,but l doubt you could find a better man. l love you Balls, and my heartfelt condolences and best wishes for the family
Diane Welhouse
June 14, 2025
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
June 14, 2025
Mary Firtko Manley
June 14, 2025
I was blessed to have Larry in my life twice. I was his St Bede prom date in 1970 and we recently reconnected to pick up where we left off.
My sincerest sympathy to his family. Family was the single most important theme of his life. Tho he had all sisters, he cherished his brotherhood of classmates and friends. He was so looking forward to the upcoming family and class reunions.
The world won’t be the same without his joy, humor, and smile.
Charolette Buckman Guetzkow
June 13, 2025
My earliest memories of Larry was the little freckled face boy going down the stairs to our rec room. Waiting for him was my little brother waiting for his best friend so that they could watch the hijinks of THE THREE STOOGES. And may I say, they choreographed their own special hijinks!!! I will miss his very profound understanding of politics and people, his warmth and his courage. My love and virtual embrace to his family. Rest in peace my adopted little brother!
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