Albert F. Balla Jr.

He was born on April 16, 1926, in Canton, Ohio, to Albert F and Marguerite (Marooney) Balla. He grew up in and attended schools in Norwalk, CT. After graduation from High School, Mr. Balla enlisted in the United States Navy and served for two and half years stationed in England. After his honorable discharge, and a return home, he married his sweetheart, Shirley Gehling, in a ceremony at St. Thomas The Apostle Church in Norwalk on October 5, 1946. They recently celebrated their 65th anniversary.

Mr. Balla worked for the RT Vanderbilt Co, retiring after 34 years of service as their Plant manager. He also owned and operated the Albert F. Balla Real Estate Agency. In 1985 he and Shirley retired to Florida where they lived for 14 years before moving to Keene in 1999 and residing in this area ever since.

A talented man in many areas, he was frequently called to help friends and neighbors with different projects and was thought of as a Renaissance Man by his family. Mr. Balla enjoyed stamp collecting, writing poetry and both listening to music and playing the organ and also had a hand in the building of his own house. He possessed a quick wit a terrific sense of humor. He enjoyed travelling with his family and where ever they went they always made sure to visit all the historic, scenic and touristy locations around them.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years: Shirley Balla; his son James D. Balla and his spouse Albert Merola of Provincetown, MA; two daughters: Nancy F. Balla of Surry and Marcia A. Ivers and her spouse Thomas of Milford, CT; two Grandchildren: Carol Taylor and her husband Charles and Christine Pelzar and her husband Steven; four Great Grandchildren; a Step Brother, Frank Gehling, as well as several nieces, nephews cousins.

He is predeceased by his sisters: Betty Pesacreta and Rosemary Seifert.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. Balla will be celebrated Wednesday at Noon at St Margaret Mary Catholic Church, Arch St, Keene. There will be an hour of visitation, from 10:30 until 11:30 at the Fletcher Funeral Home, 33 Marlboro St, Keene before the service. Burial will follow the service at the Monadnock View Cemetery, Keene.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made, in Albert F. Balla, Jr.’s name, to the Activity Fund at Genesis Eldercare, 677 Court St, Keene, NH, 03431

Fletcher Funeral Home & Cremation Services (www.fletcherfuneralhome.com), 33 Marlboro Street, Keene is in charge of the services.