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Keith Ballard Obituary
Keith E. Ballard, 70, of Owego went to be with the Lord on Monday, February 1, 2016. Mr. Ballard was predeceased by his parents, Hazen and Anne (Nichols) Ballard: infant brother, Douglas Ballard; mother and father-in-law, Girard and Rita (McLean) Gavin; brother-in-law, Stephen Gavin. Keith is survived by his wife of 48 years, Susan (Gavin) Ballard; son and daughter-in-law, Christopher and Sara Ballard; granddaughter, Sheridan Ballard, four brothers and sisters in-law, Donald Ballard, Stuart William Ballard, Gerald and Linda Ballard, Robert and Adele Ballard; two sisters-in-law, Toni (Pianosi) Gavin, Kathleen (Gavin) and Robert McCone; several nieces and nephews, Daron Ballard, Cherie Ballard, Wendy (Ballard) Ford, Amy (Ballard) Pierce, Casey Ballard, Corey Ballard, Erin (McCone) Fitzgibbons, Kellie (McCone) McClellan, Megan (McCone) Kolacinski, Patrick Gavin, Timothy Gavin and Daniel Gavin; as well as several grandnieces and nephews. Keith was a devoted member of Saint Patrick's Church in Owego for more than 45 years where he served on several committees and ministry groups. Keith was a graduate of Vestal Central High School and had a distinguished career of 44 years at IBM Corporation, Loral Corporation and Lockheed Martin Corporation. Before retiring in 2010, he held the position of Program Manager in the Advanced Product Solutions organization at Lockheed Martin. Keith was proud of his accomplishments and enjoyed mentoring junior leaders. He is remembered as a kind co-worker, friend, and true professional. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, February 5, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick's Church. Burial will be in the Parish Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday Evening from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Estey, Munroe & Fahey Funeral Home, 15 Park St., Owego. Memorial contributions may be made in Keith's name to Mercy House of the Southern Tier, 212 North McKinley Avenue, Endicott, NY 13760. Condolences may be made to Keith's family at www.emfaheyfuneralhome.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Keith Ballard
Todd Brown
March 9, 2016
To the Ballard Family: So very sorry to hear about Mr. Ballard. I met him when I was a vendor working at LM and then eventually I was hired by LM. I got laid off a year after he retired but he was one of the best people I knew at LM. He was always kind and I never heard him say anything bad. I saw him a couple of times after 2011 and he would always talk to me. I have been on the look out for him for quite some time because I had an unanswered question I wanted to ask him. He will be missed very much.
February 8, 2016
Sue & family, I wish I had the words to say to comfort you in the loss of your special husband. He was a wonderful man, caring, thoughtful and will miss seeing him. You had wonderful years with Keith so hold those memories close. You were blessed to have had such a nice man as he was to have you Sue. You are in my prayers for strength. Love Sally & Paul Martin
Art Fredricksen
February 8, 2016
Chris
So sorry to hear about your Dad. He always treated everyone royally
February 7, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of this wonderful man. He will be sorely missed.
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February 6, 2016
I am so proud of my relatives deepest sympathy to the Ballard family. Your cousin w. Joe mcandrew
Harold Decker
February 5, 2016
Having known Keith since high school and through work I can only echo that Keith was an example of always being a class act and privileged to have been able to call him a friend
Bryce Jackson
February 5, 2016
Susan and family,
We were so saddened when we received the call about Keith's passing. His quiet nature and kind smile made everyone he met feel at ease. He was truly a genuine and caring man who left his mark on this world. May a lifetime of happy memories help you through the days ahead. God bless you all.
Bryce and Pat
Debby and Mike Reitnauer
February 4, 2016
We are so saddened by the loss of Keith. He always had a smile to give, and possessed a gentlemanly persona. We hope your beautiful memories will bring comfort to you and your family. God bless you,
Pat & Janet Nally
February 4, 2016
Chris, Sara, and Sheridan,
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad and grandfather. He was well-known, admired, and respected by so many. He left many memories, a great a legacy of doing good deeds, and being supportive to all he knew. We know he will be missed by you, your family, and his many friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult times.
Janet & Pat Nally
Mike Ballog
February 4, 2016
Keith was one of the nicest people I worked with. I always respected him, and I enjoyed working together. I wish he had more time.
Monica England
February 4, 2016
Chris and Family, very sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I was fortunate to have worked with Keith many years ago. He was always a gentleman and had such a pleasant persona. May the treasure of your wonderful memories bring you comfort until you are all reunited one day in our forever home. God Bless.
Norma, Fran and Jean Slocum
February 4, 2016
Several years ago we attended a funeral for a cousin we'd only recently found. At the funeral, we saw Keith and Sue and discovered we were somehow related...Mom was thrilled as Keith has always been one of her favorite people.
We agree - such a total gentleman.
timothy murphy
February 4, 2016
To the ballard family im sorry for your loss. Mr. Ballard always had a smile and gentle way . I remember him as my soccer coach at the hickories.
Kristine Doty
February 4, 2016
Dear Sue and Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. We will continue to keep you all in our thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.
Love,
Tom, Kristine, and Evan
February 4, 2016
Chris and Sara,
We were shocked and saddened to hear of your Dad's passing. He always had a smile on his face and went out of his way to say hello. Please know that we are praying for you and your family.
~ John and Megan Rhodes
Pam & Ward Eaton
February 4, 2016
Chris & Family, We are deeply sorry to hear of the loss of your Father. We will certainly keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Judi DeSantis
February 4, 2016
Susan and family, I'm so very sorry for your loss. Keith was a wonderful husband, father, Granpa and friend. He will be missed by many. I hope you can find comfort in all your memories.....and in the love you all shared. If you need anything just ask. Love you, Judi
bill mcandrew
February 3, 2016
was really sorry to hear keith left us..susan....I don,t have to tell youhoney he was a great ...decent...caring...compassionetand genuine human being.....love ya cous.....bill & Kathleen...p/s...god love him
Mike&Lee White
February 3, 2016
Our condolences to the Ballard family.
Marc & Gayle Battaglini
February 3, 2016
Our thoughts & prayers are with you all.
God Bless
Paul and Susan Monseur
February 3, 2016
Chris and family. So sorry for your loss, our condolences to you and yours....
Tom Kane
February 3, 2016
I was fortunate enough to work with Keith can attest that he was a true professional with a great sense of humor. He was passionate about his family and doing the right thing for the company, his colleagues and the customers he served. Chris - it's easy to see who you acquired your life skills from. My sincere condolences on the loss of your Dad. He will be in my prayers.
Tom Kane
Mary Farrelly
February 3, 2016
Susan and family, My heart is broken. He was such a beautiful man in every way. Please know I am thinking of you with prayers and love.
Roger Il Grande
February 3, 2016
Chris (and Family), I am so sorry to hear about your Dad's loss. I wish you all the strength necessary to get through this difficult time and hope that time brings clarity to only the great memories..
Roger Il Grande
Nicole (Zimmer) Tinsley
February 3, 2016
So Sorry to hear of Mr. Ballard's passing. His Family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Erin Nichols
February 3, 2016
I am very sorry for your loss. I worked with Keith. I was one of the lucky ones he mentored and I learned a lot from him. After he left I would see him at one of the local stores and he would give me a hug. He will be missed.
Bill and Sue Russell
February 3, 2016
Susan and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Keith's passing. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you.
Warren Pfister
February 3, 2016
We in LM HR rally around Chris and his family in our thoughts and prayers as well as coverage of his work here as you and he celebrate the life of his Dad together. Warren
Denise Varsik
February 3, 2016
Chris, I am very sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
February 3, 2016
Am sorry to learn of his passing. A friendly face for many years, always a good morning.
May your memories bring you comfort.
Pat Purdy
Monica McGavin
February 3, 2016
I have such fond memories of visiting Sue and Keith and Christopher when I was younger. Keith was an amazing man, such a gentle soul and always so caring. I'm going to miss his handsome face. My hugs, love and prayers to Sue and Christopher and their family.
Kathy Yannuzzi
February 3, 2016
Chris and Sara,
I'm so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. I remember him from your wedding and the few times I met him - he was such a kind, genuine person. He left you much too soon but he'll always be in your hearts and in your memories.
Much love, Kathy
Jim & Kim DeSantis
February 3, 2016
Susan, Chris, Sara and Sheridan, I am so very sorry.
Greg Bodner
February 2, 2016
Keith was a great guy to work with. Good sense of humor. Sorry to hear of his passing. Greg
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Estey, Munroe & Fahey Funeral Home - Owego15 Park Street, Owego, NY 13827
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