Richard Balenger

Richard W. Balenger (76) died peacefully at an inpatient hospice in Jacksonville, FL on March 6, 2017. The cause of death was cardiopulmonary failure. His children, Victoria Balenger and Mark Balenger, were at his side.

Rich was born September 3, 1940 in Washington DC, and grew up in Kensington, MD. He graduated from Walter Johnson High School, where he was a competitive swimmer, and completed a physics degree at University of Maryland, College Park.

In his 26-year career with IBM, Rich advanced from Computer Programmer, to Systems Analyst, to Advisory Systems Engineer. He subsequently provided computer training in corporate settings before retiring to Greenfield, MA with his longtime companion, Marilyn Stacy.

Rich loved the outdoors and was an avid boater, fisherman, hunter, and skier. He also belonged to many suburban MD bowling leagues, collected coins, and had a lifelong interest in astronomy. He maintained good contact with many friends, including his previous spouses Rosemary Agnello Litsky of Rotonda West, FL and Dorothy Murphy Balenger of Pine Island, FL.

Rich was predeceased by Marilyn in 2012, and his brother Jack Balenger in 2013. In addition to Victoria (Steve Alexander) of Bethesda MD and Mark (Adiati Ratman) of Ponte Vedra, FL, he is survived by grandson Evan Balenger of Ponte Vedra; his half-sister Juanita Balenger of Annandale, VA; his cousin Jean Poole of Frederick MD; and many other beloved friends and relatives.

A Celebration of Life was held at Rich’s retirement community, The Atrium, in Jacksonville. His ashes will be scattered on the Chesapeake Bay at a later date. Memorial donations can be sent to the Community Hospice Foundation, 4266 Sunbeam Rd, Suite 200, Jacksonville, FL 32257.