November 19, 1933, to February 4, 2022
Ted as he was known to most, passed away peacefully on Friday February 4, 2021. He was embraced by
his loving wife of 40 years, Ruby G. Balabanis. He was predeceased by his mother Elizabeth Balabanis
and father George Balabanis, and a brother Michael Balabanis, two sons Joseph Balabanis and Chad
Balabanis.
He is survived by his wife Ruby Balabanis, sister Anthiana Balabanis, daughters, Elizabeth Murphy,
Georgiana Butler, Chris Rorrer and Rebecca Yow. He has 7 Grandchildren, Alexandra Balabanis, Michael
and Hunter Butler, Breana and Ashley Sauls, Sophia and Aleah Yow.
Ted was born on the island of Lesvos, Greece and came to America at the age of two where his family
settled in Westfield Massachusetts. He graduated from Springfield High where he played the trumpet in
a jazz band. He attended Penn State College where he received a degree in Hotel Restaurant
Management. After Graduating, he was a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army, spending time in Germany. He
then moved to New York where he worked in the hotel industry.
He was an alter boy in his younger years and cantor as he grew older but would fill in wherever he was
needed. He loved his church and was a very active and beloved member of St. Peter Greek Orthodox
Church in Danville. He served not only his church but his community as well and was respected in the
Greek communities in several cities including Danville, Martinsville, Roanoke, Virginia Beach and
elsewhere.
He was hired to work as the manager of the Lynnwood Country Club settling in Martinsville, VA where
he thrived. He opened the Hut restaurant, which was very successful, while he also opened the Southern
Host Inn Motel on Route 220 in Ridgeway. He was also the owner of T&R Properties and Harmony Hall
Home For Adults in Bassett, VA.
He was an enthusiastic 60-year Rotarian, dedicated 32 Degree Mason, Shriner, President of the Virginia
Restaurant Association, Employed hundreds of people throughout his long and productive life. He was a
patron of the arts, loved playing the piano, trumpet and collecting stamps and coins, but his favorite
pastime was being with his family.
He had an infectious laugh, amazing sense of humor, was quick with a smile and telling a joke. He touched the lives of so many people throughout his extraordinary life.
He was a pioneer and pillar of the Martinsville and Henry County Community. He loved Martinsville and
considered it his home. His network of friends spread worldwide. He will be missed by his family,
friends, and the community.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church in Martinsville.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the SPCA of Martinsville, Penn State, Masons or Rotary.
Services to be determined at a later.
