Paul Balco

On 14 May 2011 Paul E Balco, 87, of Holland, MI and formerly of Pittsburgh, PA passed on into eternal glory with his Lord and Saviour, surrounded by his loving children at Holland Hospice, after a four year battle with multiple myeloma. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Elsie, as well as two sisters and four brothers. He is survived by his devoted only daughter, Susan E Rose of Saugatuck, son Alan E Balco of Atlanta and Steven Paul Balco of Fort Wayne. He is also survived by his very special grandchildren, Brian Balco of Wrightsville Beach, NC, Jamie Balco of Portland, OR and Paul Joseph Balco of Charlotte, NC along with Karli and Jeffrey Balco of Fort Wayne. He was fortunate to live to see two great grandchildren born, Hutton and Wren Balco, children of Brian.

Paul worked in sales for CSX for 39 years, covering upstate New York and then moving to a new job in Pittsburgh, PA where he later retired in 1983. He loved to play the accordion and he enjoyed playing his entire life. He was completely self-taught and brought a smile to all who listened to his music. He was an avid golfer, aviation enthusiast, writer, woodworker, bicyclist and Pittsburgh Steelers fan, but more importantly he was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather with his family always coming first in his life.

The family would like to thank Christopher Fink, DO, Kendra Kraft, R.N. and Eric Batts, MD for their compassionate care and kindness in watching over our "Pop" for the past four years, allowing him to have a superior quality of life until the very end.

A Memorial Mass will be offered in his honor at a later date yet to be determined. No visitation is scheduled. Burial will be in Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Drums, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in his name.

Arrangements are by the Dykstra Funeral Homes-Mulder Chapel.