In addition to his parents Don was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Sarah (Sally) Murray Ballard whom he married June 2nd, 1956 in Pittsfield MA and his sisters, Jean Gennari, Phyllis Jones, and Marcia Clark.
Those left to cherish Donald’s memory are his son Robert Ballard (Lan) of Virginia Beach, VA; two daughters Dympna (Tim) Madigan of Edenton,NC and Donna (Chris) Buss of Denver, NC; six grandchildren, Tyler and Colin Ballard, Christina Ollis, Michelle and John Madigan, and Connor Buss; two great-grandchildren Emma and Caileigh Ollis; his loving friend Donna Myers; and numerous nephews and nieces in the United States, Ireland, Great Britain, Australia, and New Zealand.
Don started as an apprentice at General Electric in 1952. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1965. In the course of his career he developed 17 US patents, some with the collaboration of his peers. He retired from GE after 42 years and started a consulting business. He loved gardening, travel and music but mostly he loved his family. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was a founding member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and the Catawba County Knights of Columbus.
His service will be held at 1pm on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 720 W 13th St, Newton, NC 28658. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 12 pm-12:45 pm at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with Father Ed Sheridan officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Holy Spirit Catholic Church 537 N Highway 16, Denver, NC 28037 (Building fund), or St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 720 West 13th St. Newton, NC 28658.
