Boyd S. Ballard "Poppy"

Boyd, affectionately known as Pete and Poppy, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on September 25, 2026, at the age of 86. Born on May 1, 1940 in Englewood, New Jersey, Pete's life was a testament of love, dedication, and service.

Pete was the beloved son of the late Joseph Ballard and Bessie McNair Ballard. He was also lovingly raised by his stepmother, Ann Oralee Rucker. Pete was predeceased by his parents, his dear stepmother, his sister, Jean Davis and brother, Joseph Jr. His memory will continue to be cherished by his devoted wife of 57 years, Loretta, his children Nathan, Kevin, Kuan, and Jason, and his cherished daughter-in-law's, Laura and Jasmine. Boyd was a proud grandfather to Hadiyah, Corina, Bryce, Gia, Nalani, Mikayla, Kennedy, Brooke, Axol, Jayden, Gianna, Ariana, and Maverick and a loving great grandfather to Liana, Alaya, CJ, Alina, and Julien. His nephew, Peter Davis and a host of cousins and extended family and friends mourn his passing.

Pete’s life was marked by his service to his country and his community. He joined the US Marine Corps in July 1961 and served honorably until February 1966. He continued his dedication to service as a member of the Army National Guard, where he achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant and completed more than 20 years of military service.

In his professional life, Pete demonstrated a strong work ethic and commitment. He held various positions, including a telephone equipment installer for Western Electric, an electronic technician for Vikoa, and a dedicated worker in the family business, Joe's Meat Market in Harlem. Pete spent a significant portion of his career as an Engineering Technician with the NYC Housing Authority and later with the NYC Transit Authority until his retirement in 2002.

Pete was actively involved in his community, serving as an Assistant Scoutmaster and an Assistant Youth Basketball Coach. He also served as the family’s very own “Bob the Builder”. His hobbies included fishing, boating, flying simulators, and working with HO scale model trains. Above all, his greatest joy came from spending quality time with his family.

A service to celebrate Pete's life will be held on October 1, 2026 from 2:00pm-6:00pm at the Michael J. Higgins Funeral Service Inc., located at 321 South Main Street, New City, NY 10956. Military Honors will be rendered at 5:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Pete's memory to the Martin Luther King Multi-Purpose Center in Spring Valley, NY at mlkmpc.org.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and support staff at Westchester Medical Center for the exceptional care and dignity provided to Boyd and for the gracious kindness shown to his family during his extended stay. Pete's legacy of love, service, and dedication will be remembered by all who knew him, and his spirit will continue to inspire those he leaves behind.