John Balaskas

John Balaskas

May 1, 1928 – March 18, 2021

  John Balaskas, age 92, of King of Prussia, passed away peacefully at home with his loving family by his bedside on Thursday, March 18, 2021. Born on May 1, 1928, in Easton, PA to the late William and Katina (Hajidakas) Balaskas. He grew up in Easton with his brothers, Nicklaus (the late Fotina) and the late Gust (Demetra) and James, and sisters Jean Kariolotas (Gus), and the late Georgia Balaskas.

  John was married for 63 years to his loving wife Charlotte (Ehret), and together they raised four children, Katharine Kelly (the late Brian Kelly), Janice Balaskas (Alan Thewless), and Juliann Balaskas, and the late John Ehret Balaskas (Mary Jo).

  He was a proud grandfather to Daniel Kelly (Janey), Robert Kelly, Jenna Kelly and Matthew Peterson (Verenice). Great-Grandfather to Isabella, Emma and Charlotte Peterson, and to Olivia Kelly.

  After graduating from Easton High School in 1946, John entered the army and served in Korea from 1949 – 1950. He later graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration from Lehigh University in 1956, and earned a Masters in Business Administration from Temple University in 1969. John was a past member of American Business Club.

  The central pillars of John’s life were his family and his love for learning.  After earning his degrees, he continued taking courses for personal enrichment at Ursinus College and West Chester University and later at Montgomery County Community College where he earned over 100 credits.  For John, challenging his mind and widening his perspective were responsibilities inherent to being human.  His commitment to this called him to study many specific subjects within the disciplines of math, science, philosophy, history, art and the natural sciences – including learning to identify wildflowers, trees and birdcalls. Of course, his greatest joy was to share this with Charlotte and their children and grandchildren; taking them to museums, historical centers, parks and nature reserves, and supporting, encouraging and making opportunities possible for their studies.

  John also loved tennis and bike riding. He was an avid walker at Valley Forge Park, around the neighborhood. In his later years he was a Mall Walker, affectionately known to many who were tending the shops. Affectionately is no exaggeration, as his sunny kindness and gentleness were always visible. His smile caused others to smile too. In his most senior years the Western and Classic films of his youth, when cinema was a novelty, returned as a major source of enjoyment. Charlotte and Juli balanced his screen time with sunshine therapy on the front and back porches and walks between.  

We Will Always Love You John!

  Relatives and Friends are invited on Tuesday, March 23 to his Viewing from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. followed by his Funeral Service starting at 11 a.m. at Washington Memorial Chapel, 2000 Valley Forge Park Road (Rt. 23), King of Prussia, PA 19406. Interment will follow in the churchyard cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a contribution to the charity of your choice in John's memory. Arrangements are by The Bernard S. Gutkowski Funeral Home, Swedesburg, Upper Merion Twp., Pa 19405, 610-275-6385, Keith J. Murphy, F.D., www.gutkowskifuneralhome.com

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