George Balandra, 63, best known for his charisma and love of family, passed away on Thursday, November 28th after a valiant battle with advanced prostate cancer. He was surrounded by loved ones at his home in Chino, California.
First-born son of Jorge and Ana Balandra, he grew up in East Los Angeles, often sharing funny anecdotes of memories made with his friends and siblings on ‘Rowan Ave’. George was proud of his neighborhood and roots, most notably, his time spent as the class photographer at Garfield High School. So much so, that he proudly showed his children the photos featured in his senior yearbook. Capturing memories was a passion George carried throughout his life, often propping up a video camera to record mundane family moments or reminding loved ones to huddle together for a picture at events. In flipping through his photo albums, it is evident that George had many hobbies in life, including cruising in his ’64 Impala with his car club, fishing from his favorite spot at Seal Beach Pier and cheering on his beloved Dodgers. Despite all these hobbies, the albums with the most pages often involve friends and family. Countless photographs strung together tell the story of a man who was most proud of being present for the people in his life, whether it was watching from the sidelines of his kid’s sporting events, hosting his annual New Years Eve party, smiling happily with his friends, cuddling up with his grandkids or most importantly, lovingly embracing his wife, Irma.
George often expressed his excitement to grow old with his wife, looking forward to the future they would share enjoying their children, grandchildren and the new adventure of becoming ‘empty nesters’. On a sunny afternoon between errands, he shared with her “I’m glad I like you, babe…because one day it will just be you and me…”. His dream was sadly cut short, but his memory and legacy will live on through his family.
George is survived by his wife Irma; children Emily, Melinda (Ray), Richard (Alexis); grandchildren Sophia, Eli George, Mia; siblings Tony (Lourdes), Maria, Liz (Louie), Anita; nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins; and his loyal furry companion Mookie.
Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of Funeraria Del Angel Chino.
