Obituary of Walter J. Balcerek

Walter J. “Mert” Balcerek , age 91 of Mount Pleasant, PA, died Saturday (04/27/2019) at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Mr. Balcerek was born December 9, 1927 in Mount Pleasant, PA, the son of the late Vincent and Mary Habrat Balcerek.  He was a member of  St. Pius X Roman Catholic Church and the former Transfiguration Parish.  Mert was a 1946 graduate of the former Ramsay High School. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Era.   Mert had been employed for more than 38 years as a Press Operator for  General Motors Fisher Body in Dravosburg . He was a member of the American Legion Post 446 , VFW Post 3368, the Kosciuszko Club and the Mount Pleasant Fireman’s Club.  Mert took great pride in keeping  his lawn and yard  manicured. He enjoyed spending time outdoors and was an avid Notre Dame Fan. His most loved times however,  were those spent with his devoted family.

Mert is survived by his family: his loving wife of 60 years, Betty Domurat Balcerek ,his devoted son, Mark Balcerek and his wife Lynn of Mt. Pleasant,  his beloved granddaughters, Casey Wineland and her husband Zachary  and Lexie Balcerek and by his great granddaughter,  Avery Wineland. He is also survived by his sister, Patricia Smithnosky  and his   sister in law,  Henrietta Balcerek, both of Mt. Pleasant  and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mert was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters;  Thomas Balcerek in 1944, Edward Balcerek in 2004, Paul Balcerek in 2006, Florence Sochaki in 2009, Gertrude Evancho in 2010, and Vincent “Bib” Balcerek in 2011.

Family and Friends will be received Tuesday from 2 to 4 & 6 to 8 PM at the  Galone-Caruso Funeral Home, 204 Eagle Street, Mount Pleasant, PA.

A blessing service will be held Wednesday  at 11:30 AM in the funeral home followed by his Funeral Mass at 12:00-noon in St. Pius X RC Church, Mount Pleasant.

Interment with military rites accorded by the American Legion Post 446 and  the VFW Post 3368  will be in the Transfiguration Parish Cemetery, Mount Pleasant. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to: Ronald McDonald House, 3925  Chestnut St. Philadelphia, PA 19104 in memory of Walter "Mert" Balcerek.  To offer an online Condolence, please visit our web site at: www.galone-carusofuneralhome.com