John M. Baloga

YORK John M. Baloga, 89, died Thursday, January 6, 2011, in the York Hospital. Born in Slovakia, John was the son of the late Stefan and Mary Humenansky Baloga. He immigrated to the United States as a young child. A former resident of Swoyersville and Shavertown, John most recently lived in York with his daughter, Alice Conner, her husband, the late Troy Conner, and grandchildren, John, Adam, and Alison Conner. In 1942 John enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He was a 1st Lieutenant and fighter pilot, flying more than 60 combat missions until a combat injury restricted him from flight. He was awarded the Air Medal with Ten Oak Leaf Cluster, the European African Middle Eastern Theatre Ribbon with Five Bronze Stars, two Presidential Unit Citations, and the Purple Heart for wounds received. A Lehigh University graduate with a degree in Marketing and Economics, John worked as a Business and Operations Manager for a department store chain and vocational-technical school, retiring as Director of Business Services from Pennsylvania State University, Wilkes-Barre Campus. An active member of Boy Scouts of America, John was a "Life Scout" and a Scoutmaster of Troops in Swoyersville and Shavertown, and was active in the local Boy Scout Council. He was a recipient of their Silver Beaver Award. John volunteered for many organizations including the PA for Human Life, the American Red Cross, to which he was a faithful blood donor, and served on the Swoyersville Planning and Recreation Commissions. He was a devout Catholic and active member, lector, and Holy Name Society leader for more than 20 years in churches in Swoyersville and Shavertown. Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents, were his wife, the former F. Patricia Gaj; infant daughter, Patricia; and son-in-law, Troy Conner. Surviving are sons, John D. and wife, Patricia of Rochester, N.Y., Stephen A. and wife, Patricia of Harrisburg, Thomas C. and wife, Gayle of Goshen, N.Y., David P. and wife, Donna of Dallas, Pa., and Joseph M. of Laguna Hills, Calif.; daughter, Alice Mary Conner of York; 16 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren, including a great-grandson expected soon. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. from the Harold C. Snowdon Funeral Home, Inc., 140 N. Main St., Shavertown 18708. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 a.m. in St. Therese's Church, Pioneer Ave., Shavertown. Interment will be made in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Swoyersville. Military honors will be accorded. Friends may call Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to PA for Human Life, 31 Hanover St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702; or a Wounded Warriors Fund of donor's choice.