Peter Balaban, Sr.

AUSTINTOWN - Peter Balaban Sr., 95, passed away Monday evening, March 20, 2017, at Briarfield Manor.

Peter was born July 22, 1921, in Grindstone, Pa., a son of the late Mike and Mary Petretich Balaban, and came to the Youngstown area as a child in 1924 with his family.

Mr. Balaban served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the Pacific Theatre with the Military Police, and he also served for three years in the Army Reserves

He was a car inspector for the Pennsylvania Railroad, which later became a part of Conrail. Pete retired in 1988 after more than 44 years of working for the railroad.

He was a longtime member of Sts. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Youngstown, and was a member of the Croatian Pensioners Club of the Mahoning Valley, Chapter 7, Warren. Peter was also a member of the Multipurpose Senior Center of Mahoning County, where he was recognized as a talented artist. He won many awards for his oil paintings at several local events, including the Canfield Fair.

His wife of 53 years, Stella Mamrych Balaban, whom he married Feb. 8, 1947, passed away July 14, 2000.

Pete leaves his daughter, Betty Ann (Jeffrey) DeMain of Laurinburg, N.C.; his son, Peter Jr. (Patricia) Balaban of Altamonte Springs, Fla.; and two grandchildren, Amy Elizabeth Balaban of Longwood, Fla. and Adam Peter Balaban of Altamonte Springs.

Besides his wife, Pete was preceded in death by seven brothers, Michael, John, George, Thomas, Nick, and infants Eli and Stephen; and by three sisters, Ann O’Block, Charlotte Burnside, and infant Maria.

Per Pete's wishes, funeral services are private, and there are no calling hours. Arrangements are being entrusted to Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Rd., Youngstown.

Memorial contribution may be made in Pete’s name to Sts. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 1025 N. Belle Vista Ave., Youngstown, OH  44509.