Alexander Baluch

Winter Haven- Alexander Baluch, age 93, of Winter Haven, FL passed away August 1, 2014. Born Sandor Baluch in Kassa Hungary on April 10, 1921 to Michael and Julia (Osmolski) Baluch. He immigrated to this country in September of 1924. He married Mary K. Sexton in Cleveland, OH on August 9, 1947. They were married for a few days short of 67 years.

Alex is survived by his wife, and children: Mary Pat Lytle (Richard) of State College, PA, Kathy Zmuda (Gene) of Buffalo Grove, IL, Michael Baluch (Sandy) of Omaha, NE, and Barbara Simmons of Glendale, AZ. His grandchildren are, Parker Lytle, Alex Lytle, Michelle (Zmuda) Martin (Eric), Michael Zmuda, Andrew Baluch and Jesse Adams. He has two great grandchildren, Emma and Graham Martin. His sister, Eleanor (Sr. Julia) Baluch resides at the Ursuline Center in Canfield, OH.

Alex's education began in Youngstown when he attended elementary school without knowing any English, just Hungarian. Before the time of English as a Second Language classes, he managed to learn the English language and graduated from high school there in 1939. He then attended the Cleveland School of Art from September 1939 to 1947. This time was interrupted by his enlistment in the Marine Corps from Oct. 1942 to Feb. 1946, achieving the rank of Corporal. Alex then entered Adelbert College at Western Reserve University in Ohio to earn his B.S. in Feb. 1947 and his M.A. in Sept. 1948. He returned to school as a student and earned his Specialist in Education from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, OH in June of 1966. After that he attended the Ohio State University Summer Program.

Alex began his career in art education at Emerson Junior High in Lakewood from 1948-1950. He then moved to Findlay, Ohio to teach at Findlay Senior High. While there he introduced the Scholastics Arts Program to the Ohio Northwest Region, having many of his students participate

and win multiple awards. He started the student art teacher program using students from Bowling Green State University and Ohio Morthern University. He also arranged for the creation of the sculpture in the high school outdoor courtyard. In addition to teaching art classes, Alex was a drama coach for FHS operettas. He eventually became the Supervisor of Art and finally the Findlay City School's Coordinator of Fine Arts, working with all music and art departments in the schools. During this time, Alex also taught art part-time at Findlay College.

In addition to his professional achievements, Alex was very involved in the art world outside of academics. He spent many weekends travelling around Hancock County in Ohio sketching, then returning to his art studio at home to paint what he had seen. He exibited his work at the Hancock County Fair, the Ohio State Fair where he won a gold medal for his sculptures, The Toledo Museum, and multiple local art exhibits. He branched out to do commercial artwork for local businesses both in Findlay, OH and Winter Haven, FL. Alex was a co-founder of the Findlay Art League around 1950. He spent many enjoyable hours there with others who shared his interest in two-demensional art.

After retiring to Winter Haven, FL in 1980, Alex and Mary spent many enjoyable years amd made many friends volunteering at Baseball City during Spring Training for several major league baseball teams. Alex was in charge of the bat boys and had a great time with them. Of course, they provided subject matter for more paintings. He enjoyed meeting all the coaches and retired baseball players who he remembered from when he was a child. In addition to spending time at the ball field, Mary and Alex volunteered at Winter Haven Hospital. Alex illustrated a monthly pamphlet, LiteSide, that was given to patients to provide some humor and entertainment. He also created signs and posters (public service announcements) for the hospital. He was very pleased with the work he did there. He continued to work the health fairs for the hospital after they discontinued the LifeSide. Alex served as an usher at St. Matthew Catholic Church and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. At age 93 he was still going to Gold's Gym three times a week.

In 2011 a book was published by his children with photos and commentary of all of the seventy years' art work that Alex created. The following year a smaller book of his commercial work was published. Both of these books may be viewed at www.blurb.com