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Ben Balsano Obituary
CARBONDALE - Ben Balsano, 87, passed away on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at his home.
Ben was born on July 15, 1937, to Angelo and Myrtle (Spangler) Balsano in Murphysboro. He married Kathryn Schwartz in August 1997 in Carbondale.
After a long-distinguished career, Ben retired from FW Woolworth Company. He was often known as a happy, storytelling, Italian ball of life. He brought much joy and happiness to all who had the pleasure of meeting him.
Ben is survived by his wife, Kathryn; children, Pamela Portell, Sue Ann (Jamie) Wohner, and Mark (Tammy) Balsano; grandchildren, Michael (Abby) Portell, Sarah (Tyler) Flood, Morgan (JT) Perkins, Macey (Andy) Flaugher, Trey Wohner, Haley Wohner, Ben Wohner, Nicolas Balsano, Ryan Balsano and Reese Balsano; great-grandchildren, Brody Perkins, Marley Flaugher and Nathan Flaugher; and step-children, Tricia (Fran) Yanuzzi and Andrew Schwartz.
He is preceded in death by his late wife, Patricia (Hendricks) Balsano.
The funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. Monday, March 17, in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, with Robert Flannery officiating. Burial will follow in St. Andrew's Cemetery in Murphysboro. A time of gathering and fellowship will follow after the committal service at 1 p.m. at the Jackson County Country Club. All are welcome to attend. Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 16, at Meredith Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Murphysboro Food Pantry in Murphysboro and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale assisted the family with arrangements. To leave a story or memory of Ben, visit www.meredithfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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Meredith Funeral Home - Carbondale300 S. University Avenue, Carbondale, IL 62901
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