Donald Philbert Balagna

1933 - 2024

Donald "Pops" Balagna passed away at 91 on November 30th, 2024 while taking a nap in his favorite chair and waiting to watch a full day of college sports. He was living independently, driving and doing most of his own chores right up to the end. He was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1933 and moved to Tucson in 1961 with his parents, Barney and Jean Balagna. Pops was an infantryman in the U.S. Army rising to the rank of Sergeant in just 3 years. He served 9 months in combat in Korea. He did not like to be recognized for his service or be called a hero, but he certainly was. Pops came home from the war and found employment driving a truck as a proud Teamster. After he moved to Tucson in 1961, he owned multiple businesses including a beauty shop called "Mr. Don's Golden Tierra" and a nightclub called simply "Mr Don's" where he was a live music pioneer for Tucson. He also was in civil service at the post office for more than 20 years before retiring. He was a long time resident of Far Horizons East. Pops enjoyed going to sporting events or watching them on TV, he loved spending time with his family including playing cards and having a meal with his sister in law Cathy. He is survived by his four children, Denise, Don, Diana and Roxanne as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren close in-laws, and friends. Per Pops expressed wishes there will be no formal services, however he will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.