William Hannon "Bill" Balch

1938 - 2018

William Hannon "Bill" Balch

Gulf Breeze - Bill Balch, 79, passed away suddenly on June 22, 2018 while visiting family in New Hampshire. He was born in Manchester, CT on October 15, 1938.

Bill proudly graduated from Norwich University in 1960. Bill's bond with his classmates was unwavering, and he marched with the "Old Guard" every homecoming. After graduation, Bill was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and entered the Army. He was stationed at Fort Knox, KY in the armor corps and then entered flight school in Fort Rucker, AL. Bill loved aviation and flew numerous military aircraft for both reconnaissance and troop transportation including the Piper Cub, de Havilland Beaver, Otter, and Caribou.

In 1963 Bill married the love of his life and best friend since 6th grade, Barbara Louise O'Neill. They started their married life together in Fort Lee, VA.

After leaving the Army as a Captain in 1964, Bill worked for Pratt and Whitney and he and Barbara began their family in Manchester, CT. In 1968 the Balch family moved to Cheshire, CT, and Bill began a career in purchasing and sales with Consolidated Industries. In 1976 Bill became a Regional Sales Rep for Astro Metallurgical and remained with that company until his retirement in 2004.

Bill and Barb retired to Gulf Breeze, FL and have enjoyed their new Florida friends, boating, the beach, and working out at Acceleration Fitness. Bill was a member of the Pensacola Beach Elk's Club. Bill was a faithful parishioner and an active member of St Ann Catholic Church: he was a greeter, usher, Knight of Columbus, and coordinator of the food pantry.

Bill will be affectionately remembered by his beloved wife of 55 years, Barbara, and their children Walter (Jenny) of Charlotte, NC, Mary (Reed) Dunne, of Gulf Breeze, FL, and Patrick (Laurie) of Sunapee, NH. Bill was the proud grandfather of 10 grandchildren: Will, PJ, Andrew, Sage, Madeline, Shelby, Caroline, Jackie, Riley and Hannah. Bill also leaves behind his in-laws, Kevin (Deborah) O'Neill and Maureen (Kim) Bulkeley, and many loved nieces and nephews: Rosemary, Sam, Ann, Johanna, Shelly, Katie, and John. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Mary Balch, and his dear sister, Maryann Turkington, and her husband, Jack.

Every day of his life, Bill made his faith and his family his priorities, setting an example for both the church community and his relatives as a man of conviction and a man of love.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 9, 2018, at St Ann Catholic Church, located at 100 Daniel Drive, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 am with the funeral mass to begin at 11:00 am. A reception will follow in the parish hall.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St Ann Food Pantry, 100 Daniel Drive, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561.