Anthony J. Balsama
Anthony J. “Blackie” Balsama, 87, of Houston, passed away Wednesday, November 9, 2022, in Presbyterian University Hospital Pittsburgh.
He was born December 9, 1934, in Canonsburg, a son of the late Anthony J. and Pauline J. Terchek Balsama.
Blackie was raised in Canonsburg, where he was a member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church of St. Oscar Romero Parish and a graduate of Canonsburg High School. He then attended Waynesburg College.
He proudly served with the United States Army and prior to his retirement had been employed for many years as a structural ironworker with Local 3 of Pittsburgh for many years.
Mr. Balsama was an avid golfer and a member of Washington Country Club, where he was a member of the Crows. In 1994, he won the Club Championship and over the years he had six holes-in-one. In the 1975-76 season he and Wayne Delvecchio won the Penn State Doubles Championship. He played slow pitch softball for the World Championship with Sol Mintz Clothing company and enjoyed bowling.
On September 13, 1958, he married the love of his life, Thelma Jean Bell, who passed away March 21, 2016.
Left behind to cherish his memory are his beloved children, Sherry (Larry) Lemasters of Dallas, Texas, Frank A. (Tina) Balsama of Clearwater, Fla., and Amanda L. (Rodney) Brookman of Houston; his nine grandchildren, Ashley (Jared) Yevins, Kaitlyn Balsama, Bradley (Ashley) Balsama, Lucas (Megi) Lemasters, Scott (Kierstin) Lemasters, Blake Balsama, Londyn Lemasters, Ava and Jake Brookman; five great- grandchildren, Jaymeson and Amelia Yevins, Mia and Mabriana Balsama and Sicily Lemasters; his sister, Mamie Bell Snyder of Canonsburg; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased, in addition to his wife and parents, is his son, Anthony J. Balsama, who passed away August 1, 2022.
Friends and family are welcome from 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, November 14, in Salandra Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., Joseph P. Salandra LFD, owner/supervisor, 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, 724-745-8120, where a Catholic Blessing services will be held at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 16. Interment, with full military honors, will follow at 1:30 p.m. in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township.
To view or extend condolences, please visit www.salandrafunerals.com.