Anthony "Tony" Tirol Balbon

Anthony (Tony) Tirol Balbon, departed this earth at the age of 61. Despite his overwhelming feat, he had the diligence to carry out the necessary tasks needed just so that he could spend more time with his family. Tony was a warrior and fought persistently until the end. He will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 34 years Lisa Melerine and sons, Sebastian Melerine IV (Stephanie), Joseph Melerine, Justin Melerine (Hillari) and Christopher Reveal (Danhia). His three grandchildren Ella, Kale and Felix.

Tony is survived by his mom, Delores Balbon, siblings Nelson (Shirley) Balbon, Susan (Dexter) Bigtig, Felicidad (Andy) Balbon, Florencia (Clayton) Corne, Annette Dayot, Danny (Linda) Dayot and Michelle Hiller, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins and all of his friends who were his family. He is preceded in death by Frederick P. Balbon (dad), Felicidad Hontiveros (grandma), Yvonne Arcell (sister), Judy Cortes (sister), Frederick Balbon (brother) and Olivia Tirol (biological mother).

Tony was an innovative artist. While at Chalmette high school he made an owl that was displayed in front of the school. He also had many pieces of artwork that were exhibited at the Louisiana World's fair in 1984. He would later enroll in Elaine P. Nunez's culinary program. While in school he appeared on tv with the late chef, Frank Davis. While going to school he took a job working at Cat's Meow as a bouncer. He was known as TC to everyone there. But soon after starting there he would leave for the call of the sea. Tony started his Merchant Marine career with the Master, Mates and Pilots union as an Ordinary seaman. Until one day he found the job he fell in love with. Working at the University of Washington for the oceanography department aboard the U.S.S. Thomas G. Thompson as Chief Steward. While working there he was able to visit countries all around the world. He got such enjoyment meeting people from different cultures and countries.

Tony loved and missed his father very much. They both shared a love for the sea. Tony once said, "Dad, I understand now! I see what you see through my eyes". When Tony would come home after working for 3 to 4 months, his biggest joy was to see the look on his family's faces when he walked through the door. He would always come home with great stories of his travels.

Friends and family are invited to attend a visitation at ST. BERNARD MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 701 W. Virtue St., Chalmette, LA on Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. A Remembrance of Life Celebration will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. A catholic service will follow at 1:00 p.m. A private interment service will be held at a later date.