Martin Charles Ballod

Martin Charles Ballod, “Marty” to those who knew him, was an engineer not only professionally but also personally, in that he built a legacy of love around him. He called his family his “bubble,” and inside that bubble he gave everything he had to ensure they felt nurtured and secure.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, JoAnn; his son, Christopher; his daughter-in-law, Melissa (he would tell the nurses in the hospital to strike off the “in-law” part); his granddaughter, Helena; and his brother, Charles.

He married JoAnn, the love of his life, in 1972. They did everything together, including driving with their son all over the country for hiking trips and spending time with their big, energetic dogs.

He found great joy in his profession. Starting with his service as a captain in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, his work as a civil engineer took him to project sites in China, India, Belgium, Venezuela, Chile, Mexico, all over the United States, and even to Guantanamo Bay. He was fully intent on returning to work up to the very end, even checking in with his team just a few days before he passed.

Marty loved nature, often calling hiking his meditation. He hiked Mount Washington, Long’s Peak, and Mount Rainier with Chris. He knew all the different types of raptors that flew over Hawk Mountain Sanctuary during the migration season. He also enjoyed walking in the yard with Melissa, discussing plants and birds and the biographies they both loved to read.

Marty’s favorite role was “Grampy Rhino,” when he would put on a rhino mask and chase the giggling two-year-old Helena around on all fours, making rhino noises. Over the years he invested in her education, bought her a beautiful viola, shared many slices of chocolate cake with her, and lit up every time she entered a room, even on his last night.

His love and selflessness were so strong that he fought until the end to celebrate Chris’s birthday, passing shortly thereafter, but not on the same day.

He is missed beyond anything words can convey.

A Memorial Visitation will be held at Saint Andrews Catholic Church, 81 Swamp Road, Newtown, PA 18940, on June 5, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a Memorial Mass at Saint Andrews Catholic Church, 81 Swamp Road, Newtown, PA 18940, on June 5, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to NWMAC (Northwest Mutual Aid collective ) (https://www.northwestmutualaidcollective.org/donate) or Hawk Mountain Sanctuary (https://www.hawkmountain.org/give/donate-now).