Matthew James Balli

MATTHEW J. BALLI, age 52. Retired Lieutenant East Cleveland Police Officer. Beloved husband of Stephanie (nee Yuschak). Loving father of Ethan, Wyatt, Melanie Erickson and Nicole Erickson. Dearest son of Phillip and Patricia (nee Skala). Dear brother of Michael (Adriane) and Lisa. Also survived by aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, many dear friends and especially P.J. Retired U. S. Army Staff Sargent and MP Special Forces Veteran. The United States Army, Ohio Army National Guard, U.S. Special Operations community, East Cleveland Police Department, and law enforcement community at large has lost a truly great man in his battle with cancer. Matt Balli was a legend. A warrior, an amazing husband to Stephanie (herself a medically retired Air Force Fireman), father to Ethan & Wyatt, mentor, and friend. One of those rare people that changed lives forever. Matt was strong for so many, including his brothers in uniform and his friends. It’s only fitting that Matt should have departed us on the eve of America’s 246th Birthday, as he spent his life in the service of our beautiful country.

Matt retired as a Lieutenant from the East Cleveland Police Department with over 25 years of dedicated service. He did and lead just about every job you can do as a cop (Patrol Platoon Commander, SWAT Commander, bureau, etc) in a high-crime urban jurisdiction in desperate need of peacemakers like Matt. He was the toughest and most badass cop we’ve known, but fair to the citizens he served.

Matt was among the best bosses one could hope for. Matt was never one of the “pen is mightier than the sword” types. He didn’t view his people as disposable. Rough and tough as could be, he could lay into you, but he was ALWAYS fair. Matt was an old school leader and teacher that would pull you aside, straighten you out, and mentor you in the process. Matt built up and developed Soldiers and Police Officers his entire adult life. He was an extremely well known police instructor in the State of Ohio, widely thought of as one of the top tactics and marksmanship experts in the profession. Matt was chosen as a sniper in the 2016 Republican National Convention (RNC) to protect US Presidental candidates alongside the United States Secret Service.

Matt was also a retired US Army Staff Sergeant, the majority of his time spent in the Ohio Army National Guard. He served as an MP and with 19th the Special Forces Group, deploying to Iraq in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM. Matt was a legendary marksman, both with pistols and long guns, and won multiple major U.S. Army shooting competitions.  

From the time he was a child protecting his sister Lisa on the playground, to the time of his death, Matt defended the innocent from the evil assholes of this world. Everyday, he demonstrated what it meant to be a leader of integrity, what it meant to be a husband, and what it meant to be a father; in deeds rather than words. Matt loved his family more than anything. When Stephanie came along, Matt’s tough external shell melted away. Stephanie gave Matt peace in a life that had been filled with conflict, pain, loss, and sacrifice. She gifted him two beautiful boys, and a new version of Matt was born.

There wouldn’t be enough time to explain everything this man has done for his friends and strangers alike. The saying “give you the shirt off his back” doesn’t begin to explain it. This was a man who was generous and kind in a quiet way, the way Christ wanted us all to be.

Matt was among the wittiest, most socially and communatively intelligent people you’d ever meet. He was incredibly funny, with a dry, intelligent, sarcastic wit that was unique and sharp in its delivery. Matt was a larger than life hero and among the very best men we’ve ever known.

Matt - you are relieved from your post. As you depart this world for the gates of our Father’s house, we take comfort in the fact that heaven has just became a little safer.

In lieu of flowers the family requests all donations to Matthew’s childrens education fund, make checks payable to Stephanie Balli. Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday July 13, 2022 St. John Nepomucene Church, 5000 Fleet Avenue at 11:00AM. The family will receive friends TUESDAY 3 – 8 PM at the A. RIPEPI & SONS FUNERAL HOME, 18149 BAGLEY ROAD, MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS (WEST OF I-71).