Thangavelu Balasubramanian

Born on November 27, 1937 in Kadagam Village in Tamil Nadu, India, Bala (also known as Balu and Manny) was one of eleven siblings raised in a brick house surrounded by farmlands. Developing a strong work ethic and passion for education across diverse disciplines at a young age, Bala became a skilled student in his favorite school subjects: mathematics, science, and English literature. Always repairing farm equipment with his father, Bala developed an interest in the inner workings of machines and electrical appliances and decided to pursue a career as an engineer. After graduating from Annamalai University with Honors with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in 1960, Bala worked as an electrical engineer in steel and power plants in India for a decade. In 1963, he married his wife Meena; they enjoyed 60 years of marriage together. They had two children, Latha and Jim.

Bala’s restless ambition compelled him to apply for an immigrant visa to the United States. Upon moving to New York in 1971, he found a job selling stuffed animals at a fair. After saving enough money, Bala worked as an engineer at a brewery, installed electrical equipment in the World Trade Center, and later joined Exxon Corporation as a project engineer in 1975. Thereafter, he worked for Knight Maintenance Corporation until his retirement. He was a proud member of Local Union No. 3 IBEW for 50 years.

Good-natured and congenial, Bala quickly made friends no matter where he went. Whether chatting with his neighbors, attending gatherings with his union, or going on vacation with his family, he had a penchant for lively conversation full of jokes to lighten the mood. His signature attire was his salmon-pink button-down shirt, jeans, and a baseball cap from his eclectic collection. A persistent problem solver, he never gave up when he found something that needed to be fixed or pieced together. Apart from being his family’s designated handyman, he loved growing vegetables in his garden, taking photographs of family and nature, traveling, and staying current with world news.

A devout Hindu, Bala recited mantras and prayers daily to protect those he loved, comparing the act of prayer to “carrying an umbrella in the rain.” Dedicated to his friends and family, he provided unconditional support through the ups and downs of life, during both celebration and hardship. He was known to drop everything to pick up a friend or relative stranded on the highway or help his children with their school projects. A gifted storyteller, Bala regaled listeners with tales from his childhood and career, often incorporating lessons about failure and forgiveness.

Bala is survived by his wife Meena; daughter Latha; son Jim; son-in-law Mani; daughter-in-law Meri; grandchildren Raji, Preanka, and Zane; and the families of his brothers and sisters.

Bala will be cherished forever as a devoted father, husband, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, grandfather, friend, and neighbor. His joyful presence and the wisdom he shared from his life experiences will be greatly missed.

Please join us for funeral services for Thangavelu Balasubramanian. The services will be at the Frederick Funeral Home:

Frederick Funeral Home

192-15 Northern Boulevard

Flushing, NY 11358

(718) 357 6100

Saturday, October 28, 2023

Viewing: 10am-12pm

Religious Ceremony: 12pm-1pm

Cremation to follow Saturday, October 28, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM at Garden State Crematory, 4101 Kennedy Blvd, North Bergen, NJ 07047.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.frederick-fh.com for the Balasubramanian family.