Richard A. "Dick" Balga

Richard A. Balga, 89, of Homosassa, FL, passed away on Wed., Oct. 21, 2026 at Life Care Center of Citrus County in Lecanto, FL. A native of Manhattan, N.Y., N.Y., he was born April 10, 1937 to Anthony and Helmi (Anderson) Balga, one of two children. Dick, as he was known to many, served his country honorably and proudly for nine years in the United States Navy as a Navy frogman and moved to Homosassa in 2006 from Bellevue, Nebraska. Prior to that period, he had lived in Point Pleasant, New Jersey until his retirement as a commodities broker in New York City. Mr. Balga was Roman Catholic and attended St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Homosassa. Dick loved sailing, scuba diving, sky diving, astronomy, bowling, ham radio operation and classical music. He was also enjoyed shooting and was an expert in firearms safety. Dick also enjoyed creating pen and ink drawings and riding his motorcycle. Mr. Balga’s passion for serving his community here led him to becoming a member of CERT (Citrus County Community Emergency Response Team), assisting the Sheriff’s Office in disaster preparedness, fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations. Dick’s perfect day would begin with waking up to the love of his life, Peggy Jo, with whom he loved spending his entire days. Dick also loved going to Peck’s Old Port Cove for dinner, followed by watching the sunset and waiting for the first glimmer of the stars. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant son, Anthony. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Peggy Jo Balga of Homosassa; daughter Charleen Willoughby (husband H. Taylor Willoughby) of Denison, TX; son Joseph Balga (wife Darlene Balga) of Lawrenceville, GA; grandchildren Taylor R. Willoughby (wife Maureen Willoughby) of Bellevue, NE; Mathew Balga of New Bern, NC; Aaron Balga and Katie Balga, both of Lawrenceville, GA; great grandchildren Eleanor Willoughby of Bellevue, NE; Deane and Trey Balga, both of Havelock, NC; sister Kathy Wierzbicki (husband Hank Wierzbicki) of Ewing, NJ; niece Jennifer Kurdzuk and nephew Anthony Wierzbicki. Friends will be received on Wed., Oct. 28, 2026 at Macrini-Wilder Funeral Home in Homosassa from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thurs., Oct. 29, 2026 at 11:00 AM at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Homosassa with Fr. J. Glann Diaz, Celebrant. Catholic Rite of Committal with Military Honors will follow at 12:15 P.M. at Fero Memorial Gardens in Beverly Hills with Deacon Mark Manko officiating, and American legion Post #155 Honor Guard rendering the honors. Services entrusted to Macrini-Wilder Funeral Home, Homosassa, FL.