Joseph J. Balsama

Age 91 of Collingswood

Peacefully on March 30, 2013, beloved husband of 65 years to Yolanda C. Balsama (nee DiBlasio);

father of Grace (Jim) Armstrong, Richard (Nettie) Balsama & David Balsama; grandfather of Kaitlyn & Michael Armstrong, Richard, Stephanie & Ashley Balsama; great grandfather of Nicole; brother of Benny (Helen), Salvatore Lena, Dominic (Joan), Louis & Tom Balsama, Ann (us) Urbano, Frances Crusco and Mildred (Ray) Corda; many nieces & nephews, especially Dolores Fujarski, Norma Farina & Anthony Perticari who phoned every day.

Joe served in the US Army in the European Theater during WW II and was awarded Two Bronze Stars & two Purple Hearts for bravery and wounds received in battle.

Mr. Balsama was a carpenter for Penna. Rail Road ( Conrail ) in Camden for 42 years, retiring in 1982.Residing in Collingswood 36 years & longtime members of St. John’s Church, Joe & his family earlier lived in So. Camden where he was a member of the Knights of St. George, Sons of Italy and Camden Bowling Lanes, and was proud to say he bowled a 299 !

Viewing Thursday 7-9:30 PM in BLAKE-DOYLE FUNERAL HOME, 226 Collings Ave., Collingswood. Funeral Friday 9 AM from the FUNERAL HOME. Funeral MASS 10:30 AM at St. John’s Church, Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Collingswood. Entombment at New St. Mary’s Mausoleum, Bellmawr.

The family suggests donations in Joe’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 3704, Memphis, TN38103 OR Vitas Hospice, 521 Fellowship Rd., Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054.