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Francis Balfe Obituary

Balfe, Francis E. ALBANY Francis "Frankie" Balfe, 73, died unexpectedly on Saturday, August 14, 2010 with his daughter by his side. Born in Albany, son of the late William and May (Quirk) Balfe. Frank graduated from Phillip Schuyler and served four years in the Navy Reserves. He started at 19 working for Niagara Mohawk with his father, quickly working his way up to chief foreman, retiring at 55. Frank was so proud of the fact that he "got out early." After NIMO, he then bought, remodeled and sold four homes, making numerous friends along the way. Anyone who worked or lived near him has stories to tell of pranks, him being a great friend and a wonderful person. Frank was very active in his children's lives from their youth throughout their adulthood. A father that gave endlessly and never gave it a second thought. Grandchildren filled Frank's heart even more. "Papa" was well known as a spectator at ball games and known for teaching the kids everything! Frank is survived by his devoted children, Patrick Balfe (Angela Cote) of Guilderland, and Theresa Gallager (Doug) of Altamont. He is the cherished grandfather of Thomas and William Gallager of Altamont and Megan, Lauren and Michael Balfe of Canajoharie; his brother, William (MaryAnn) Balfe, sister, Rita (Chuck) Luibrand; and his former wife, Josephine Balfe. He is also survived by several cousins, nieces, nephews and beloved friends. Frank was predeceased by sons, Francis E. Balfe Jr. (at birth), Michael J. Balfe and John J. Balfe. Funeral services will be held Friday, August 20, 2010 at 10 a.m. in St. Francis of Assisi Church (formerly St. James Church). Relatives and friends may call at the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, 490 Delaware Ave., Albany on Thursday, August 19, 2010 from 4-8 p.m. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Glenmont, N.Y. To sign the online condolence book please visit www. danielkeenanfuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to the Mohawk & Hudson River Humane Society, 3 Oakland Ave., Menands, NY 12204.

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Published by Albany Times Union from Aug. 18 to Aug. 19, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Francis Balfe

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Theresa Balfe

September 12, 2010

Thank you to everyone who was there for my brother, Pat, me, Doug & my boys in our time of need. This has been one of the most difficult times of my life. I lost my best friend. I miss his voice, his encouraging words, and just the way he made me feel as a person. I was the luckiest daughter to have such a father. My parents worked together endlessly to make sure all of us kids were happy, loved and they supported us in everything we did. Every birthday and family holiday- we were there for each other...together. I am truly blessed. May you be at peace with your sons, Dad. I know you are watching over us. With love always, Theresa xoxo

Tom Logan

August 27, 2010

The entire Balfe family,
As most of you already know my thoughts of and feelings for Frank. I will offer these words to try and help with your loss. You may not physically see or hear him, but he will always be near. When you need him the most, is when he will be nearest. I know this to be true because every time I need some strength to get through a difficult time, Mike always shows me he's by my side, with a rainbow. This has happened several times since Mike passed away. The last time being the evening of August 19th, 2010 when we were on our way to Frank's wake. The apple never falls far from the tree, this I guarantee. Tommy Logan

August 23, 2010

My deepest sympathy to the family. I had only known him a short time as a nurse at amc but in that time found him to be such a special man. May god send you all strength to carry you through.

Kathleen Balfe

August 21, 2010

Theresa , Patrick and families,

Your Father , Uncle Frank was a big part of my life. He was always there for me. I loved him very much. I will miss his visits and stories .
God Speed Uncle Frank,
Love, Kathleen "Ruby"

August 20, 2010

With deepest condolences on your great loss to all family members. Frank bought my grandmothers farm in Delmar and renovated it. My cousin and I enjoyed many hours visiting with him and he left a lifetime inpact on me of what a good human being is. We appreciated his personality, kindness, humor and obviously his super ambition to renovate such a project as this farm. I was just happy that my life could have touched his even in this small capacity. He will be remembered kindly forever. Janice Fuglein Thompson

Diane & Bud Deschenes

August 20, 2010

Theresa, Doug and Family,
We're so sorry to hear about you Dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

August 19, 2010

Good by Frank i have known you a long time from ni mo god bless you and family,you were a good man and a good friend. john j hagan

Patricia Rau & Family

August 19, 2010

To my Balfe cousins,
Frank was truly a wonderful man, and he will be greatly missed. He was a man who loved life, loved his family, and gave his all. I will never forget his kindness to, and respect for my parents, my sister and me over the years. Frank was the only one who, with his gentle and patient manner, was able to persuade my father to go to the hospital when he suffered a stroke at home and was refusing to go. Frank even rode in the ambulance with him. That is the way Frank was. If someone needed help, Frank was there. He never expected anything in return. After attending his wake this evening and seeing the beautiful video and picture boards, it is very clear that his family was his priority, and spending time with his family made Frank very happy. It is also clear, by the number of people there tonight, that he and all of you are very much loved. May he rest in peace, and rejoice in being reunited with our family members gone before us.
Our love, thoughts and prayers are with all of you,

Ed Kowaleski

August 19, 2010

To the Balfe Family: I worked with Frankie years ago at Niagara Mohawk and considered him a great friend. Please accept my sympathy on his passing. I'm sure he left you with many happy memories. Ed Kowaleski

August 19, 2010

Theresa, Doug and family. My heartfelt condolences to you in this difficult time. Jeff Coyle

August 19, 2010

Mr. Balfe's Family and Friends, I was one of the nurses who took care of Mr. Balfe at Albany Medical Center. It was such a pleasure to care for him, as he was always pleasant and kind. I could tell from our many conversations that he truly loved his family and enjoyed being a dad. His smile went from ear to ear when his daughter would come in to visit him. He really tried hard to get back to his home. I will miss him. I am sorry for your loss. My prayers and sympathy are with you. Sincerely, Kriste Yarter, RN

Win Newnham

August 18, 2010

My dear friend, Rita,
How very lucky I was to have been in Frank's company, a good and loving man who had the gift of joie de vivre. You were blessed to have each other through the good times and the not so good, but your love kept you strong and he will continue to be by your side so you will never walk alone.
Sweet dreams, Frank.

Todd P.

August 18, 2010

I'm very sorry for your loss. God Bless.

August 18, 2010

Dear Papa,
I miss you. We had so many good times together. I liked feeding the squirrels peanuts in your yard with you. They came so close to us. I remember the bear in your yard in Greenville broke your bird feeder. I share your love for animals. I love looking through all of your photo albums. They were filled with so many animals and people you were friends with. Everywhere I went with you, you knew somebody. You were well loved. I liked cooking you breakfast in the morning after Willie and I slept over night at your house. We used to scratch your back, tell stories, and laugh. I liked going golfing with you, Mom, Willie, and Kathleen (Ruby).
I will miss you.
Love,
Tommy

August 18, 2010

Dear Papa, I miss you already. Thank you for coming to all of my baseball and basketball games, teaching me how to tie knots, make slingshots and making strong forts.

I could not ask for a better Papa. I will miss calling you to tell you when wrestling is on TV.

Love, Willie "Vern/Hornswoggle"

Bryce and Deborah

August 18, 2010

Patrick and Angela,
Our thougths and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Frankie touched the lives of many people, and he made the world was a better place. I know that he was a great father, and it shows through in the son he raised. The memories of the good times you shared will help to sustain you through this time of loss.

Carla Perry-Wakeley

August 18, 2010

"T" and Patrick,
So very sorry for the loss of your father. Everytime I would see him he always had a smile from ear to ear and a warm hung to give! What a pleasure to have known him. May the love and memories he gave keep his spirt alive in your hearts.
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family,
Love to you both-Carla

Sara Linton

August 18, 2010

Theresa,
Although I did not know your father, I know that from your kindness and compassion he must have been a very loving man. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

August 18, 2010

To the Balfe Family~
I had only known Frank for a few years and I wish it had been longer. There are not many truly good people in this world, but he was one of them. He always stopped to say Hi and tell me how beautiful and wonderful my little one's are. He always asked about our health and our family, and he actually cared about the answer. He used to leave cards for us in my door- when my daughter was born, when my grandmother passed away. People just are not made like him anymore. He will be missed.

August 18, 2010

Rita and Bill,
Please accept my deepest condolences.I have many fond memories of Frank(and all of your family)since my days at St.james and on into my nursing school years at SPH.Although we lost touch,I thought about him often especially since we both had so much tragedy in our lives.My prayers are with you all.Rose Ellen Geoco Flint.

Karen Norton

August 18, 2010

Theresa;
You were blessed to have such a special relationship with your Dad. I'm sure you have many happy memories.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

August 18, 2010

To the Balfe Family;
I am so sorry for your loss, your dad was always so sweet and kind to me..
We all here at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway will miss seeing him and having are talks. He was a great man.
Darlene

Wendy Willard

August 18, 2010

Bill, MaryAnn, and family..My family and I are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
The Willard Family

Tracy Kendall

August 18, 2010

Francis Balfe was my neighbor growing up I have very fond memories of him and will miss him very much I was always very glad he stayed in my families lives he will be missed.

August 18, 2010

Theresa & Family, Your Dad was a true friend to my mother, Marian Henry. She just loved to talk with him. Mom's caregiver, Tina, just told me about your Dad so I had to get on line. We will certainly miss him at Mom's parties. With love, prayers and sympathy, Joan Staats(Marian's Daughter)

Sue Lasch

August 18, 2010

Theresa,
I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad. He was a great man who always had a warm smile for everyone. I know it was him who taught you to tell jokes with the flare he always did. May your memories bring you some comfort.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Darcy Sisson

August 18, 2010

Teri,I'm so sorry to hear of your loss.Time and Memories will ease the pain. It's been years. I don't forget. My prayers are with you. Sincerely, Darcy

August 18, 2010

Pat,
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tony and Angela Laiacona

Angela Laiacona

August 18, 2010

Pat,
So sorry for your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tony and Angela Laiacona

Heide Coody

August 18, 2010

Patrick,
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. I know he was your best friend and it is always so hard to lose a loved one. My thought's are with you and your sister during this time of sorrow. Jeff and I are here for you if you need us. Love and Peace to you all.

Laurie Fusaro

August 18, 2010

Theresa,
My heart goes out to you at this very sad time. I didn't know your dad but being your friend has shown me that he did a great job raising you. You are a terrific person and your dad loved you more than he could have put into words. Always remember that "T" and know that he remains in your heart forever. You have beautiful memories so hold on to them and he will live on in you. Take care and I'm here if you ever need anything. Love ya, Laur

August 18, 2010

T
We are very sorry to hear of your loss. Your dad sounds like a special man and we know what an important part of your life he was.

Jack and Mary

William Balfe Jr.

August 18, 2010

We want to express our sympathy for the great loss of Francis. He was such a special person that no words are adequate. He was a valued member of our family. Francis brought pleasure to everyone & will be greatly missed. Mary Anne & Bill

Mary Anne & Bill Balfe

August 18, 2010

We both wish to express our sympathy for the great loss of Francis. He was such a special person that no words are adequate. He was a valued member of our family & all those who came in contact with him. Francis brought pleasure to everyone & will be sadly missed.

August 18, 2010

To Mr. Balfe's family and friends, I was one of Mr. Balfe's many nurses at Albany Medical Center and would like to let you know how he touched my heart. He was one of the nicest, kindest, most warm-hearted patients that I have ever cared for. Despite his illness, he was always brave and funny-- a very special person. It was a privlege to have cared for him. I am so sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Karen Gerstenberger, RN

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