Obituary of Walter Raymond Balko

Walter R. Balko, age 80 of  Acme,  passed away on Tuesday, August 27, 2019.  He was born December 24, 1938 in Mount Pleasant, the son of the late John and Mary Stranko Balko, beloved husband of Kaye; father of Sandy Duke, Heather Buchnowski, Jeffrey Salava; grandfather of Madison, James and Tressa; brother of Maryann (Calvary) Bias, Steven (the late Carol) Balko, Bernard Balko; brother in law of Gerri (Henry) Claus.  He was preceded in death by brothers, Joseph and John; sisters, Dorothy Stanek and Helen Puskar. 

Walter proudly served in the U.S. Army tank division and worked for US Steel Homestead Works until it’s closing.  He then worked for General Dynamics in Rhode Island, building nuclear submarines until his retirement.  He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping and boating, all of which he enjoyed with his family.  He loved traveling the country and seeking new adventures. His biggest adventure was his skydiving trip to Las Vegas after recovering from major surgery.  He was a strong man who took pride in instilling values and life lessons to his children.  Walter loved to read and could carry on a conversation about most anything, especially politics.  He will be missed by everyone.

Family and friends will be received on Friday, August 30, 2019 from 1-3 and 5-7pm at Galone Caruso Funeral Home, 204 Eagle Street, Mount Pleasant, PA 15666.  A blessing service will be held Saturday in the funeral home at 10:30AM followed by Walter’s Funeral Mass at 11:00AM at Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, with the Rev. Richard J. Kosisko as celebrant.  Private Interment, with military rites, will be in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. Contributions in Walter’s name may be made to Animal Rescue League.  To share condolences please visit www.galone-carusofuneralhome.com