Although I realize it’s been over a decade, I feel like I have to share. Mr. Balaban was my big boss for a couple of years in the late eighties. He was very much into building a legacy for his family, and always quick to provide guidance to his employees. To this day I quote him. My favorite is, “Habala Espanol correctamently por favor!”  He was very much appreciated by his family, friends, and his employees. God Speed Harvey!

Dear Harvey,

Our hearts are broken and we still cannot believe that you are gone, but know that you will always be looking over us.  I will always treasure the memories we had with you in picking out furniture in San Francisco and when you came to NY for Mom's 80th surprise birthday party and all of us went to the theatre; most recently came in for Ashley's Sweet 16 party too. You always made time in your busy life to attend the special events in your brothers family lives and "were always there when we needed you".  You have truly touched our hearts and will never be forgotten.  I will never forget the twinkle in your eye and your smile and love for my family.  Love, Nancy, David & Ashley

Harvey was a great guy and he will be missed.
Nancy and Jim Keough

Harvey was a wonderful man, I will always rember the 6 years I spent working with him in one of his furniture stors. I will never forget a business trip I had the pleasure of taking with Harvey and his wife Maria, he had so much love for her, this site has stuck with me to this day . I know he is missed and he will always be in my memories. Rest in peace!

I was lucky, early in my life to work for Harvey. He was the “professor” of retail sales. Harvey took the time to try and teach me as a young man the basics of retail. I looked up to Harvey and to this day continue to try and do as he would.

His whole family in Spain is going to miss him so much. We lived far away from each other, yes, but despite distance, his positive attitude, his big heart, his generosity, always with a wise advice and many laughs, made us be so close to him and love him as if you he was living just crossing the street.… 
My dearest tio, I miss you…You will always be a referent to me and I'll never forget you.  
Always in our hearts, 
Inés, Patricia, Luis, Mikel, Javier y Nicole

Harvey will be missed.  He was one of the best mentors in the furniture industry.  He loved what he did and he never lost the enthusiasm for buying furniture, or running a business.  He really had a heart for the people he worked with.  My sympathy goes out to his family and friends.

Harvey was a unique friend of our family. In talking with him it was easy to appreciate his distinct, natural wisdom to simplify real-life problems and decisions. Above all, he was an admirable person, and a gentleman. I once invited Fred and him to a Giants baseball game. But, the tickets I had purchased were poorly located. When I apologized, he replied: "We didn't make the trip only for the game; we are here for the company."  Our deepest condolences go out to his lovely family.

OBITUARY

Harvey Phil Balaban

August 12, 1936 – October 1, 2012

The Paul Mortuary

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