Raymond S. Balzer

RAYMOND S. BALZER April 14, 1926 – November 22, 2008 Born in Gardner, MA to Sarah (Sinclair) Balzer and Joseph George Balzer. Ray was a graduate of Gardner High School, Gardner, MA and Worcester Academy, Worcester, MA where he was a member of the football and basketball teams. He was also a graduate of Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, where he was a member of the football team. Ray also played football for two semi-professional teams in his hometown; the Gardner Merchants and the Hillside Gymnasts. He served during WWII in the United States Navy from 1943- 1946, and in the United States Air Force during the Korean War from 1950-1953, where he reached the rank of Captain. During his service to his country, he was awarded numerous medals including Two Purple Hearts (one in WWII and one in the Korean War), two Bronze Stars in the Air Force, Navy Unit Presidential Citation, Good Conduct Medal, Navy Ceremonial Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with 3 Bronze Clusters in WWII, Europe Africa Middle East WWII Medal with 4 Bronze Clusters, WWII Victory Commemorative Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal in WWII, United Nations Medal, Korean Service Medal, American Campaign Service Medal (1941-1945). He retired in 1989 as a Corporate Vice President of Motorola, after 33 years of service. Ray traveled the world, both for work and recreation. He was an avid photographer whose stunning photographs span from lobster boats in Dyer's Cover, Maine, to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, to the pyramids of Egypt and beyond. He treasured his many fond memories of summers spent with his family at his home on Great Island, Maine. Ray loved boating and deep sea fishing and enjoyed countless hours on his boats with his family and friends. Following retirement, Ray became an active member of the Saint Lucie Community Theatre and the Barn Theatre in Stuart. He appeared in numerous productions at both venues. He was a member of The American Legion, Post 0126, The Veteran's of Foreign War, Post 10066, The AMVETS, Post 0092, and The Moose, Lodge 1690, Legion # 197. He leaves behind two daughters, Sheila S. Lupaczyk of Templeton, MA and Janice L. Balzer of Gardner, MA. Step children Justin Lombardo of Chicago, IL, Dr. Charles Lombardo of Jacksonville, FL, and Kathleen Lombardo of Riverside, CA. Four grandchildren, Jason Lupaczyk of Templeton, MA, Matthew Lupaczyk and wife Shannon of Philipston, MA, Luke Lupaczyk of Royalston, MA, and Olivia Drury of Templeton, MA. Step grandchildren Marcus Maltese and wife Deann of Riverside, CA, Erin Lang and Susan Lang, both of Riverside, CA. Step great grandchildren Darryen Maltese and Marcus Maltese, Jr. of Riverside, CA. He is predeceased by wife Rosemary Balzer, brother Winton (Wink) Balzer, sister Virginia Spencer, son Joseph Balzer, and his first wife, Teresa K. Hendrickson. Visitation will be held on Monday, December 1, 2008 from 1-2PM with funeral services to follow at 2PM, Aycock Funeral Home, 950 NE Jensen Beach Blvd, Jensen Beach. Interment to follow funeral service at Fernhill Memorial Gardens, Stuart, FL.