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Joseph Balok Obituary
Joseph J. Balok, Jr. Esq., age 74 of Southport, passed away Fri. Aug. 26, 2016 of Natural Causes at his home following declining health. Born on September 19, 1941 in Elmira, Joe was the son of the late Joseph J. Sr. & Fern Langlois Balok. He graduated from Notre Dame High School and was the recipient of the Eagle Scout Award. He received his bachelor' s degree from Notre Dame University and earned his Juris Doctor from Albany Law School. He began practicing law in 1967 with Attorney Judson Hoover and continued to practice in various partnerships until he became the proprietor of Balok Law Office with his daughter. He served in the position of Chemung County Public Defender and was the initial Director of the Law Guardian Office. His legal career and life was based on helping those in need regardless of their social or economic status. He was a long time board member and basketball coach for Southport Recreation and continued his coaching interest with his grandsons. He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing in Chaffeys Locks, Canada, bicycling, basketball, and any other games his grandsons would play.
Surviving are his loving family, friend and wife, Madelyn K. Vockroth Balok, Southport; daughter, Kimberlee Esq. (Michael) Middaugh, Elmira; grandsons, Zachary, Joseph, and Michael who affectionately knew him as "Chief"; siblings, Michael "Mick" (Bonnie) Balok; Daniel (Beth) Balok; Kathy Balok Clark, Kevin (Liz) Balok, and many special nieces, and nephews. Founding father of the "Fun Club". In honor of Joe's wishes, services will be handled privately at the family's convenience.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Balok
Sponsored by The Star-Gazette.
Peggy Buzzetti
August 24, 2025
We still talk about Joe and how much he did to help his clients. He is still missed.
Rich Bitter
August 24, 2023
I think of him often, it's because of his influence that I went to law school. He was a great litigator.
crystal wright
October 24, 2016
In deepest sympathy .our prayers go out to the balok family .my name is Crystal Wright I know Joe through my uncle Everett Wright.is then I hired Joe to represent me in a legal matter all around good guy which during I met Kim where again all around great lady apples don't fall far from the tree.I often think about them both you never forget those that are good .So I would like to give my condolence. In deepest sorrow.will be greatly missed.
Crystal Wright
Roxanne Ragan
September 13, 2016
Madelyn, Kim, Bonnie & Mick and all of the Balok family. Joe was a great guy, always had a smile and will be missed by all family and friends. May your special memories of him bring comfort to your hearts. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Roxanne VanRiper Ragan & Phil Ragan
Brenda Van Riper Elston
September 12, 2016
Madelyn,Kim,Mike,Zach,Michael,Joey,Bonnie,Mick,and the Balok Family. There are not enough words to say what a very special man Joe was. I know his family was very much loved by him. He was so proud of Kim and her beautiful family and all her accomplishments.Joe was a wonderful Brother,Father,Grandfather,and husband. Joe will always hold a very special place in our hearts for always being there, and especially during the tragic loss 0f my daughter Kim. RIP Joe you will be missed Brenda Elston and family
Willie Chambers
September 12, 2016
He was a hard working man. He was greatly appreciated and believed in fighting for justice. Sincerely, Willie and Ivy
Susan BetzJitomir
September 6, 2016
My condolences. You and your family are in my heart and mind. He was one of my first mentors. He was a fine man and a fine lawyer. We've missed him ever since he retired. He was one of the best. A good person with a good heart.
Rich Bitter
September 6, 2016
He was a good man, and an excellent yo-yo artist! Thank you to him for my first job in the law and for allowing me so many opportunities. Joe will be missed.
Cindy Preston Fisher
September 5, 2016
Thoughts and Prayers to the Balok Family. Joe was a wonderful man.
Al Costello
September 4, 2016
Bonnie, Mick & Kim,
My thoughts and prayers to you as you face this very sad time.
Al Costello
Henry Frate
September 4, 2016
So sorry for your loss. We have a lot of fond memories of New Year's Day birthday parties. Henry and Berni Frate
Larry Comereski
September 3, 2016
We are so sorry for your loss. Peggy and I have you in our hearts and prayers.
Larry Comereski
Jim and Diana Maher
September 3, 2016
Madelyn, Kim ,Mike, Zach, Michael, Joey , Mick and Bonnie and all the Balok family.
We were blessed to have Joe as our friend. He was so good hearted and did so much for others.
He was fun to talk to and was so good to all the teenagers that showed up on their door step.
Jim enjoyed their time during those Southport Rec. years when they coached. Good memories. Our sympathy to all your family , we will miss him for sure.
Dan Woodard
September 2, 2016
To The Balok Family,
I am so sorry for your loss, Joe was a good man.
Bill & Debbie Van Riper
September 2, 2016
To all the Balok family Joe was a wonderful person to have been a part of our lives. he sure helped out alot of people. and I was one of them. thanks Joe RIP
September 1, 2016
Kim, Mick & Bonnie,
So sad to hear of Joe's passing. He was truly a wonderful person and gave so much to everyone he came in contact with. He taught me so much while I worked for him. He made me laugh all the time and he never made you feel less then very special. Kim you were always his pride and joy and always held you in a special place. He will be missed but never forgotten. Prayers to all of you to help you in this sad time.
Lynnette Lavender
Syracuse, New York
Mary Lou (Treat) Wesp
September 1, 2016
Madelyn, Kathy, and Kevin,
My sincere condolences to the Balok family on Joe's passing. I have fond memories of Joe, especially when he fell off my skateboard many years ago. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very sad time.
Shirl Coolbaugh
September 1, 2016
I had the privilege of knowing Joe for about 48 years. He first helped me with an annulment, then he became my attorney and friend because of his generosity, friendliness, and gentle character. Anytime I had any questions or needed legal help either for myself or others he was there to help me. Throughout the years, I built a relationship with him that had forged a bond that proudly enabled me to consider him a friend. He was a proud dad and a thankful husband. Words can't express the depth of my sorrow as we mourn the loss of your husband and dad. He was a remarkable man who touched the lives of everyone he met. My heartfelt sympathies are with all of you.
Patrick Daugherty
August 31, 2016
Kevin & Family,
This small message brings my deepest condolences on the passing of your brother. May God grant him eternal rest, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
Ann Bacon
August 31, 2016
Madelyn and Kim, deepest sympathy......Joe was a good friend to the Bacon family. Forever grateful for the thoughtfulness and kindness that he shared with our young Mike. May God comfort you in your sorrow.
August 31, 2016
Kathy, very sad news...your brothers helped me grow up. All the best to the Balok family, Tom Treat
Thomas Ramich
August 31, 2016
Joe was a genuine person, fine lawyer with a huge heart who helped and saved many people without worrying about payment. I remember one case where the only thing a client could give Joe was a basket of eggs and Joe saved the pride of this person by informing him that they were the best eggs he had ever tasted.
This community will never know how many people Joe helped. Thankfully, our judge in heaven does know and I sure that Joe has earned his wings and is probably shooting darts with other angels in heaven.
Bruce Emmick
August 31, 2016
Kathy and family, I was so saddened to hear about Joe's passing, he was such a nice man. My thoughts are with all of you, Bruce Emmick
Donna Beeman
August 31, 2016
I was a client of Joe`s many years ago. He helped me though a difficult time. He was a good lawyer and very nice man.over the years I thought of him often.My God bless you all in your time of grief.
Donna Beeman
August 31, 2016
I was one of Joe`s clients many years ago .He was a great Lawyer and great person ,So sorry for your lose.My God bless you in your time grief.
Beth Gennosa Smith
August 31, 2016
Kim, your father was such a wonderful man. He was always so kind to me. I am so sorry for your loss and I hope you find comfort knowing he is no longer suffering. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jim Goode
August 31, 2016
Always so generous to young lawyers with his time and expertise. A true gentleman.
Jessica Overton
August 30, 2016
"Founding father of the fun club". I am a proud member. This man, his wife, and daughter have taught me so much! I am a better person because I know them and hold so many memories of special childhood times. Joe, thank you for your footprint. And I'm glad heaven is sweeter cause you are there.
Connie Hodder
August 30, 2016
Kathy,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your brother. Please accept my sincerest condolences. You and the families are in my prayers. God bless.
Peggy Buzzetti
August 30, 2016
My condolences to the family of Joe Balok. He was a awesome guy.
Vic & Deb Lawson
August 30, 2016
Our prayers and condolences for the Balok family. Joe was a good friend to our family for many decades. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him and loved him.
steve choe
August 30, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Bill Maitland
August 30, 2016
To the Balok family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Joe was always so upbeat and seemed genuinely happy to see you. His gentle manner and huge smile will be missed by all of us who knew him.
There are two incidents that I'll always remember about him. The first took place at the Southport Firemens' Carnival. He was thoroughly enjoying all the games and the people around him who were having so much fun. Here was a professional man of the community displaying a boyish wonder of everything that was going on around him. That sense of enjoying the moment, to me, defined who Joe was.
I also remember an essay that his daughter, Kim, wrote when she was a student in my English class at Southside High School. It was about a fishing trip that she and Joe had taken together someplace up in Canada. It was a lovely narrative which clearly expressed her love and dedication to her father. I remember thinking as I read it that the two of them were so fortunate to have that type of experience and the love that made it all possible. I read thousands of essays during my career, but the simplicity and honesty of that fond memory has stuck with me for many years.
Joe was a good man, a good father, and a friend to all who knew him. We were all blessed by his presence in our lives.
Dick Hewitt
August 30, 2016
To the Balok Family, Joe will be missed but never forgotten
Bob and Coni Allen
August 30, 2016
Mick, Bonnie and family. So very sorry for your loss of Joseph. Our Prayers and thoughts and love are with you.
John Comereski
August 30, 2016
Mick and Family: So very sorry to hear of your loss. Joe was a friendly person who always shared a smile. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Fran Whitford
August 30, 2016
Thank you, Joe.
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