Dec 31, 2012

Joseph A. Balaban, 51, of Waynesburg, died unexpectedly Saturday, December 29, 2012, in Southwest Regional Medical Center, Waynesburg.

He was born June 13, 1961, in Waynesburg, a son of the late Edward P. and Rose Sich Balaban.

Mr. Balaban was a graduate of Vale Technical Institute at Blairsville.

He was a teacher at Western Area Career and Technology Center in Canonsburg. He was named Pennsylvania Vocational Teacher of the Year in 2010. He had also worked as an automotive technician at Budd Baer in Washington, Detwiler’s in Masontown, and Monroe and John Howard’s, both in Waynesburg.

Mr. Balaban was a member of Oak View United Methodist Church in Waynesburg and was active in Bass Masters in Greene and Washington counties.

He was a devoted husband, father, brother, teacher and friend.

Surviving are his wife, Rita Tennant Balaban, whom he married September 1, 1984; two sons, Glenn Edward (Janelle) Balaban of Mt. Morris and Thomas A. Balaban of Waynesburg; a grandson, Jonah Balaban; a sister, Roseddy (Lon) Montgomery of Orlando, Fla.; a brother, Edward (Debbie) Balaban of Wexford; and several nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in Behm Funeral Homes Inc., 182 West High Street, Waynesburg. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 3, in Oak View United Methodist Church, 160 Rolling Meadows Road, Waynesburg, with the Rev. David Stains and the Rev. Jerrad Peterman officiating, followed by interment in Greene County Memorial Park, Morgan Township. The family requests casual attire for the services. In lieu of flowers, contributions for the education of Mr. Balaban’s son and grandson may be made by check payable to Thomas A. Balaban or Glenn E. Balaban and mailed to the funeral home. Condolences may be offered at www.behmfh.com.