Dana Balch

Dana Wheatley Balch, aged 94 of Apex, NC passed away peacefully in hospice care on December 25, 2022 at the Rex Rehabilitation Center in Raleigh, NC. Dana had dealt with kidney disease and heart issues for several years. Dana was born in Framingham, MA to Orral Wheatley and Joseph Balch on May 30, 1928. Dana’s mother died at a young age leaving him and his sister Joan to become independent and strong people. He spent much of his time with their uncles who were known for their antics and practical jokes. He learned to drive a tractor, ride horses, and work hard in those early days. His work ethic was second to none. “If you love what you do, you’ll never have to work a day in your life!”

Dana graduated from Framingham High School and from Worcester Junior College with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He served in the Army National Guard from 1952 to 1955. Dana worked various jobs in his life; His uncle’s Ford dealership, the International Purchasing Company in Ayer, MA; Nature Food Centres; The Colonial Shop and Hilbrook Orchards in Groton, MA; The Protestant Guild for the Blind in Watertown and as a General Handyman which was something he enjoyed immensely. He commented that he had “more keys to women’s houses than anyone he knew”. Dana was known for his positive attitude, his ability to fix anything with any material (duct tape and chewing gum come to mind), and his “pun-ny” humor. People knew his puns as Dana-isms. Our family would pun at any possible chance!

His kind and caring nature meant that he always put others before himself. He cared for the elderly in the community, did jobs for people who couldn’t pay, and was always quick to volunteer when anyone needed a hand.

Dana was a member of the First Parish Church of Groton for nearly 50 years. He was a junior Deacon, sang in the choir, and was an integral part of the Building & Grounds committee where he helped oversee the most recent addition to the church.

Dana loved his family above all else and provided much joy to them throughout his life. Everyone that knew him was better for it. He is survived by Barbara and Drew Vinal, Betsy Barker; his Grandson, Michael Simmons, and wife Allison, and great-grandson Matthew. He is also survived by Pete Vinal, Donna Baker, Kellie Vinal, and Wesley Vinal. He was preceded in death by his wife and the love of his life, Marion in 2010.

The service in Apex will be on January 14, 2023 at 2 PM at Ambassador Presbyterian Church, 1010 Schieffelin Rd. The June memorial service is June 17, 2023 at 2 PM at the First Parish Church of Groton, MA. Internment will be in the family plot in Providence, RI in the spring.

“Well done good and faithful servant.”