Peter M. Balet

August 27th, 2023, Peter M. Balet, 83, of Malta, NY, passed away, as he would have wanted, with his boots on and driving his tractor. Peter graduated from the Ballston Spa High School, joined the Malta Ridge Fire Department, worked four years in the accounting department for the NYS Department of Labor, served two years in the US Army, spent five years operating his own milk delivery route for Central Dairy, drove truck for 15 years with Shorey's Express, managed buildings and grounds at the NYS Racing Museum, operated a vegetable and beef farm with his family, and served the Town of Malta for 22 years. As the Town of Malta Highway Superintendent for 17 years, in nine unopposed elections, Peter finally retired in 2002. If you lived in or around Malta, you probably know Pete, his love for the outdoors, and his passion for a good day of hard work. As the old guy down the road he mentored many of us, he had a big heart, he looked out for others, and said of his home town 'I've been here all my life.' If not in Malta, Pete ventured to his retreat in Newcomb where he spent time woodworking, laughing with friends and family, listening to the loons, and fixing anything and everything that needed work. We all miss him, his tender heart, and his generous spirit. Peter, the only child of his mother, Bertha Phinney, and his father, Jan Balet, left behind his wife of 57 years, Marie Peck Balet. He is also survived by his two children, John Balet and Suzanne Balet-Haight, along with their respective spouses and children, Sandra Balet, Ben Balet, Liza Balet, David Haight, Andrew Haight, and Julia Haight.Those who would like to honor his life can join the family Thursday, August 31, 2023, for calling hours from 4-7 pm adjacent to Peter's long-time homestead, at the Flower & Arts Barn at Balet Flowers & Design, 5065 Nelson Avenue Ext, Malta, NY. A family burial service will be held Friday at 11am, September 1, 2023, at the Malta Ridge Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the Adirondack Institute, or the American Cancer Society, all organizations for which Peter had a strong affinity.Online remembrances may be at www.armerfuneralhome.com https://www.lastingmemories.com/peter-m-balet