Jorge was born on January 27, 1928 to Manuel and Maria Balsa in Havana, Cuba. After completing his primary and secondary studies, Jorge earned a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Havana.
After working for years in the sugar industry in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Louisiana, Jorge took a position with Phillips Fibers in Puerto Rico as a Process Engineer. While working for Phillips, Jorge moved his family to several locations in the United States and France.
In 1956, Jorge met Els Calvetti on a train enroute to Berlin. They began a long-distance relationship that culminated in their marriage in 1960. In 1991, Jorge retired and spent his time traveling, sailing, reading, writing, and watching Atlanta Braves baseball.
Jorge was predeceased by his parents (Manuel and Maria Balsa) and his siblings (Manolo Balsa, Lucia Menendez, and Marta Balsa). He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Els Balsa, two children, Michelle Balsa Frasher (Joe) and Marc Jorge Balsa (Carlie), four grandchildren, Leigh Frasher Miller (Walker), Robert Andrew Frasher, Alexa Marie Risser, and Brianna Leigh Risser, and two great grandchildren, Lillian Martha Miller and Robert Walker Miller.
The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at Bon Secours Open Arms Hospice for treating Jorge with loving kindness for almost two years.
A private service will be held with the immediate family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Cancer Society of Greenville, 113 Mills Avenue, Greenville, SC 29605.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mackeycenturydrive.com for the Balsa family.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.17