Obituary of Charles Balz

Charles F. Balz of Vestal Charles F. Balz, 87, of Vestal, died Saturday, July 31, 2010, at Susquehanna Nursing Home, Johnson City. He was born February 3, 1923 in Wilkes-Barre, PA, the son of the late Frank and Emma Walter Balz. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Beatrice E. Wakelin Balz; wife, Marjorie Balz; his brother, Bernard L. Balz; sister-in-law, Ann Balz; and brother-in-law, William Baltrusaitis. He is survived by his son, Russell V. Wakelin and Pat Rogers; grandson, Russell C. Wakelin and his wife, Liz, and great-grandson, Jack; grandson, John C. Wakelin and his wife, Sarah, and great-grandchildren, Addison and Gabriel; his brother, Joseph W. Balz; sister, Marian M. Baltrusaitis; sister-in-law, Lola Balz, and their families; many nieces, nephews, cousins and longtime friends. He graduated St. Nicholas High School and King's College in Wilkes-Barre and earned his Master's degree at Syracuse University. He served in the US Army Air Corps during World War II and was stationed on Okinowa prior to end of hostilities. He was one of the first employees at IBM Owego, where he was a member of the IBM Quarter Century Club and worked until his retirement in 1983. He was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Church, Vestal. In all things he immersed himself deeply, whether it was family, friends, or his lifelong passion for learning and traveling. His smile and warm-heartedness will be missed by all who knew and loved him. A funeral mass will be offered 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 165 Clifton Blvd., Vestal. Burial will be in Vestal Hills Memorial Park. The family will receive friends 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Coleman & Daniels Funeral Home, 300 E. Main St., Endicott. Those wishing may make contributions to St. Vincent de Paul Church, 165 Clifton Blvd., Vestal, NY 13850.