My deepest condolences to the family.  I was a classmate of Rick's and the trainer on the track and cross country teams in high school, and marveled, as we all did, at his running prowess.  I regret that I didn't get to know him better, but I do recall his kind spirit and refused to look on me as "just the trainer".  He was a good man and is a loss to us all.  RIP, Rick...

I came across the obituary in the KC Star yesterday. I used to work with Rick at Northland Construction back in the mid 70's. I worked summers and graduated from Van Horn in 75. I played against Dennis our senior year. Rick and I hit it off immediately and somehow we always had fun and laughed while we were working in the heat putting in basements. I haven't been in touch with him since the late 70's. I was with Rick the day the trench collapsed on Dennis and remember when they came and got him off our jobsite. I felt compelled to share a brief note. Though I lost track of him and only knew him a short time I knew he was nothing but fun to be around. May he rest in peace.

To my brother Rick, spent his whole live working hard for the good of everyone else. Such a kind soul, a good and gentle man. Would help anyone, no matter what. We all laughed at his "one word" vocabulary, he knew how to use it and he used it well. You had to love being outdoors and spending time with animals in order to spend time with him, that was his passion. The sport of running was effortless to him. His thirteen siblings could never catch him. I will miss you so dear brother, all my love!

There are so many things that could be said about Rick, so many memories to share, but I think what someone else told me they would  remember most about him, sums it all up the best... "[He treated us] like gold". It didn't matter who you were, as long as you treated his family with respect he treated you like family. He will be greatly missed!! Its hard to let go of someone so special. But it was his time to soar.

Will miss you so much brother! Will always love you and family!  Rick loved life, he was one of the most caring people I have known.  He had such a love of life and was always there to help out. He did have a love of running, but also had an unbelievable crave for advanced math, yet very personable and loved to play fun on his older brothers!
Love you brother! And will see you again! 

Visitation

Funeral Service

Terri Johnson

Tim Remegen

Dale Remegen

Daniel Balagna

Misty Rameriz

Mae Johnson-Paulo

Renee Pitt

Debbie Hackman

Beverly Beekman

Dianna Naas

Brenda Gallant

Jerry Balagna

Fred Balagna

Larry Balagna

Jeff Balagna

Mark Balagna

Randy Balagna

James Balagna

Rick is also survived by seven grandchildren; Cole, Sierra, Tiffany, Dustin, Alexis, Alexander and William.

He was preceded in death by his parents Delbert and Lois Molchin Balagna and two brothers, Dennis and Delbert.

OBITUARY

Richard Lewis Balagna

February 12, 1955 – August 16, 2019

Debo Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services