Edward C. Balthasar, age 79 passed away on Tuesday, October 01, 2013 after a prolonged battle with pancreatic cancer. He was predeceased by his parents, Edward & Eva, and brother Harold and son John. He is survived by sisters Carol Arnold and Doreen Zacher of WNY. He is also survived by his long time beloved friend and wife Helen Marie (Mickey). In addition to Helen Marie he is survived by daughter Virginia (Lee Gross) & two granddaughters Kendell and Camryn, four sons, Robert, Edward, Donald (Kathie) grandsons Brian and Kevin, and son James and granddaughter Jennifer. He is also survived by Julie (Joe Gibbons) children Grace and Jed, Jodi (Karl Kania) children Safia and Teddy, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends especially special caregivers, Allen Gerdes, Philip Simiele, David Bartone, and Gary Mead. Ed was a devoted member of St. Mary’s of the Lake Roman Catholic Church, Watkins Glen Elk’s Lodge # 1546, Mechanics Club, Loyal Order of Moose #426, and The Watkins Glen Golf Club, where he spent many joyful hours with friends. He was a Korean Era Vet serving in the Air Force for 1952 to 1960. He then attended Canisius College where he received his BS in Accounting attending night school while being employed at the GMC in Tonawanda, NY. He was a Life Time member of the American Legion and Accredited Rep to represent vets at COVA, retiring in 1995.
On a personal note, Edward relocated to Watkins Glen about 20 years ago right after retiring. He met and been associated with many good friends. He was lucky enough to have two great loving families. They made a difficult time easier for him during his illness. He couldn’t have been blessed more. Ed always said that “life is very fragile, respect it each and every day.”
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Mary’s of the Lake Restoration Fund, PO Box 289, Watkins Glen, NY 14891 or to CareFirst, 11751 E. Corning Rd., Corning, NY 14830-3657 or Falck Cancer Center, Patient Services Fund, c/o Arnot-Ogden Medical Center, Elmira, NY 14905. Friends and relatives may attend an hour of visitation on Saturday, October 5th, 2013 from 9am to 10am at the Link at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, Watkins Glen, NY where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am with Father Paul Bonacci officiating.
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