David Mark Balakier

1957 - 2025

David Mark Balakier, 67, entered into eternal rest on March 2, 2025, at Allied Services Skilled Nursing – Meade Street.

David was born in Sugar Notch, Pa., on April 30, 1957, the son of the late Henry and Regina (Wlosinski) Balakier. He was a member of the 1975 graduating class of Bishop Hoban High School. He was employed as an appliance repairman for 31 years by Mastroff Appliance Company and Sears and Roebuck Inc. He later worked as a stagehand for Mountain Productions.

David was a lifelong member of Holy Family Parish, Sugar Notch, until its closing. He was a 4th-degree member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Dymphna Council 12814, where he was a past grand knight. David served as a member of the Sugar Notch council for many years. He belonged to the IATSE Union Local 82 and St. Conrad's Society.

David was an avid lover of music, gardening and cooking. While he did not have children of his own, he shared these passions with his nieces and nephews through the years. Uncle Dave lived for time spent with family, especially holidays. As family grew, he became an integral part of traditions, both old and new, with his nieces and their families. These memories will carry us through until we meet again. He brought joy to so many children by portraying Santa Claus at the annual Knights of Columbus Christmas party. He had a wicked sense of humor and enjoyed making others laugh with his endless arsenal of jokes.

Surviving are his three loving siblings: Andrea Fallon (the late George Fallon); Michael Balakier and his wife, Bonnie; and Linda Helfrick and her husband, Bob, all of Sugar Notch. Left to cherish his memory are seven nieces and nephews: Donna, Dara, Deandra, Robbie, Michael, Justin and Eric; along with numerous great-nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his lifelong friends and "brothers:" Bernie Shalata and Paul "Iggy" Rakowski.

Funeral services will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday from George A. Strish Inc. Funeral Home, 105 N. Main St., Ashley. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. in St. Leo's Holy Rosary Church, Ashley, with the Rev. Vincent Dang celebrating. Interment will in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hanover Township. Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday and from 8:30 a.m. until the time of service on Friday.

The family would like to extend their deep gratitude to the entire staff of Allied Services Skilled Nursing – Meade Street for the excellent care and compassion given to David in his final days. In addition, we are deeply grateful to the staff at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, 6th floor, especially Sharon Kuklewicz, for guiding David's family through this difficult time. An additional thank you is extended to the staff of Maple Ridge Care Center, Kingston for the care extended to David over the last year and half. The family appreciates the kindness and friendship Charles Cybuk has shown David through recent years.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in David's memory to Allied Services Hospice Center Wilkes-Barre, 200 S. Meade Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.