Obituary of John Balash , 68

John S. Balash, 68, of Clarence, passed away on Friday, June 19, 2015 at his home. Born on August 20, 1946, in Clarence, he was the son of the late Andrew R. and Amy H. Heilhecker Balash.

John was a 1965 graduate of Bald Eagle Area High School. He enlisted in the US Army during the Vietnam War where he earned the rank of CPL (T). He was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal w/2 Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, 2d Class Gunner (M-60-NG), and Marksman (Rifle) for his years of service.

John was a member of the Queen of Archangel Roman Catholic Parish Church in Clarence. John was employed at the Hanover Foods in Centre Hall, retiring in 2004 after 36 years of service.

He was a member of the Clarence American Legion Post # 813 where he served as Past Post Commander, Moose Club #1565 in Clarence, Young Democratic Club in Clarence, Snow Shoe VFW Post #5644, Snow Shoe Fire Hall, 3 Point Sportsman Club, Sinnemahoning Sportsman Club, and the Mosquito Creek Sportsman Club.

John was excellent cook. He was known in the area for his pepper soup and spaghetti. He would always make enough to share with family and friends. He liked watching football on TV, especially the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was very sociable. He could pick up a conversation with anyone. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and working in his garden.

John is survived by three brothers; Robert E. “Yogi” Balash, and his wife, Donna, of Pleasant Gap, Stephen C. Balash and his wife, Phyllis, of Bellefonte, and Richard C. “Wilbur” Balash and his wife, Janet, of Clarence, one sister, Katherine L. “Katie” Hahn and her husband, Daniel, of Moshannon. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, John was preceded in death by a son, Jonathan W. Balash, two sisters, Alice Balash and Marie Verbeck, and five brothers; Andrew, William, James, Alois, and Michael.

Family and friends will be received on Monday, June 22, 2015 from 6-8pm at the Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, 106 W. Sycamore St. Snow Shoe. Funeral service will be on Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at 11am at the funeral home with Rev. James Brooks officiating. Military honors will follow at the Clarence American Legion Post 813 by the Clarence American Legion Honor Guard and the Snow Shoe VFW Honor Guard.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, 106 W. Sycamore St. Snow Shoe. An online guest book can be signed or condolences to the family available at www.daughenbaughfuneralhome.com.