Joseph Michael Balok

Balok, Joseph Michael

THE VILLAGES, FL - Joseph "Joe" Michael Balok, 86, of The Villages, Florida, died November 8, 2015. Joe was born to the late Stephen and Anna (Ridilla) Balok on October 9, 1929 in Waymart, PA. He was the third of four siblings: Robert Balok (predeceased) (Rose Megelich) The Villages, FL, Betty (Robert Cahall) Santa Anna, CA and Mary Ann (Robert Struck) of Apalachin, NY. He graduated from Binghamton Central High School in 1947 and followed his older brother into the Navy, where he served as a communications specialist based in Hawaii and Alaska. After his return from service, Joe attended Penn State University and completed his degree in Accounting/Finance in 1957. Joe met his lovely bride Delores (Dee) Lambert while attending Penn State and together they raised six children in upstate NY. Joe is survived by his children; William Balok of Troy, OH, Diane Balok of The Villages, FL, Barbara Balok (John Fruhwirth) of Omaha, NE, Susan Balok of The Villages, FL, Joanne Balok of Portland, OR and David Balok of San Francisco, CA. Joe was the proud grandfather of two grandsons: Kevin MacInerney of Chicago, IL and Nathaniel Balok of Troy, OH. Joe retired from General Electric as a finance executive after 30 years of loyal service. He was a member of the Elfun Society and an active volunteer with the American Lung Association. Joe Balok loved to travel and visited numerous countries around the world, many with his later-in-life partner, Doris Suarez of The Villages. He enjoyed life to the fullest and was able to spend most of his retirement golfing, dancing (especially the jitterbug), and with his family. Joe was a family man, a wonderful father and devout Catholic. He was active in his church and shared a special love of faith with Teresa Cader, also of The Villages. Joe taught his children, who continue to pass on his example, the joy to be found in life, the importance of work before play, the need for a "To Do" list to achieve success, and above all the value of laughter. One of Joe's last wishes was to express his heartfelt thanks to each of the people who were a part of his life. Joseph Balok will be deeply missed by his friends and family. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held at St. Timothy's Catholic Church, The Villages on Thursday, November 19, 2015 at 8:30 AM. Committal Services will follow in Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Honor Guard, American Legion Post #347, Lady Lake, FL 32159.