Obituary of Edward C. Ballas

March 31, 2008 Edward C. Ballas, 85, passed away after a courageous battle of 20 years with Parkinson’s disease. He was born in Harrisville, RI attended school in Phoenix and lived most of his life in Syracuse. Ed was the son of the late Martin and Katherine Ballas and predeceased by his three sisters Mary Flavin, Julia Martin and Lucy Van Derhoof. He is survived by his wife of 60 years Genevieve “Jean” (Piasecki) Ballas; three daughters, Kathleen Muraski, Caroll Michaels and Barbara (Louis) Moretti; five grandchildren, Sarah, Molly, Jessica, Amie and Sam Edward; two great grandchildren, Micah and Avah. Mr. Ballas retired from Carrier Corporation in 1985 after 35 years as a maintenance carpenter. He was a communicant of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and a member of the Holy Name Society, 4th Degree Color Corp member of the Sacred Heart Knights of Columbus Council 6282 and was selected as “Knight of the Year”. He was a member pf PLAV Post 14, Syracuse Polish Community Home and Sacred Heart Seniors; He was a former Golden Gloves light-heavyweight boxing champion of CNY. Mr. Ballas was a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II, serving in the African campaign under General Patton and the Invasion of Italy at Naples for which he received two battle Stars. He was a former Golden Gloves light-heavyweight boxing champion of CNY and lifelong Boston Red Sox Fan. Mr. Ballas was a man of many interests and talents including playing accordion, guitar, harmonica, drawing, woodworking, taxidermy, collecting railroad and country store memorabilia, singing and especially dancing the polka and tango with his beloved wife Jean. Calling Hours: Thursday 3 to 7 PM at Hollis Funeral Home Funeral Services: Friday 8:45 AM Hollis Funeral Home and 9:30 AM in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Burial with Honors will be in the Veterans Section of Sacred Heart Cemetery, Geddes. Contributions made be made to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus or the Sacred Heart Food Pantry 927 Park Ave. Syracuse, NY 13204