Lawrence John Balberde, 85, of Hilo, passed away on January 11, 2024. Born September 20, 1938 in Pepeekeo and raised in Honomu. He was a retired County of Hawaii Fire Fighter, independent sugar cane, ginger and lilikoi farmer, diesel mechanic with HT&T and employed with Hawaii State Department of Business and Economic Development. He was a co-founder of “A Dream Come True” organization and a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and St. Joseph Alumni Association.
He is survived by wife, Vivian A. Balberde; sons, Lawrence (Judy) Balberde, Garrett (Laura) Balberde, Paul (Cerila) Balberde; daughters, Natalie (Perry) Thornhill, Jo Anne (Richard) Balberde-Kamali'i; 14 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren; in addition to numerous cousins.
A Wake will be held on February 7, 2024, Visitation from 5-8 p.m. with service at 6 p.m. at Ballard Family Mortuary, Hilo Chapel. Services on February 8, 2024 at St Joseph Catholic Church; Visitation: 8-9 am, Eulogy: 9-9:30, Funeral Mass: 9:30 am.
