Raymond G. Balles

JOHNSON CITY - Raymond G. Balles, 91 of Johnson City went to be with the Lord peacefully in his home on January 10, 2022. He was surrounded by his loving wife and children. Ray was predeceased by his parents Clarence and Catherine Balles; brother and sister in-law Bernie and Ruth Balles, sister and brother In-Law Dorothy and Walter Coon, Father in-law Stanley Katleski and mother in-law Irene Katleski, and brother-in-law and sister InLaw Donald and Rita Kattell. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Doris Balles to whom he was married for 68 years. He will be deeply missed by his children; Cathie ( Robert ) Fitzgerald, David (Sandee) Balles, Patricia Nalepa, Richard (Tammy) Balles, and Robert Balles. His wonderful and loving Grandchildren, Ricky Balles, Nicole ( Calvin) Brown, Danielle ( Anthony) Siracusa, Courtney ( Mike) Brown, Brandon (Ashley) Balles, Keishelle Balles and Jeff Harris, Taylor (Brittney) Balles, 19 Great Grandchildren, brother in-law and sister in-law Floyd and Rose Katleski, and many nieces and nephews. Ray was born on February 23, 1930, in Johnson City, N.Y. where he grew up and would later marry his High School sweet heart Doris. Ray was a private First Class officer in the Army and fought in the Korean War in 1950-52. He worked for IBM Corporation for 30 years where he had many supervisory engineering positions. Ray was a member of the Johnson City Little League, where he served as a coach, Treasurer, VP, and also President for 10 years. He was the founder of the Junior Baseball League which is still in existence today. He also coached Johnson City Muni-League, and CYO basketball for a total of 20 years. Ray loved coaching, but what he loved even more was hearing from the kids that he had the pleasure of coaching to find about all their successes in life. Ray was an avid Boston Red Sox fan and never missed a game. One of his biggest dreams came true when the Red Sox won a world championship in 2004. That World Series championship was there first since 1918, ending the Curse of the Bambino who was Babe Ruth. Ray lived a very happy and fulfilled life. He was a very hands on Dad and never missed any of his children’s sporting events. He loved to watch his grandchildren grow over the years and the laughter he brought will be deeply missed by anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. Some of his favorite memories included taking his children to Johnson Field baseball stadium, the Jersey shore, taking the girls for their favorite ice cream, and taking his boys to Fenway park. Thank you Dad for a lifetime of wonderful memories and laughter. Ray’s family was truly blessed and proud to have him in their lives. He will be greatly missed. The family would also like to express our deepest appreciation and gratitude to our sister and his daughter Patricia Nalepa who took the role as care taker for Dad during his cancer treatments and his home care needs. A viewing Mass will be held at St. James Church located at 155 Main Street, Johnson City, N.Y. on Friday, January 14, 2022 from 9:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. and Funeral Mass scheduled for 10:00 A.M. In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Cancer Society at Cancer. org. The Balles Family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for all the loving and special care they gave Ray. Hospice members: Rose, Jessica, Hilary, Heidi, Aubrey, Dana, Jasna, Colleen, Kim, and Chris. Doctor Care: Dr. Kahula Rehman, Dr. Kathleen McGinley, and Dr. Cong Zhou.

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