John Robert Balch (Balch)

September 27, 1922 — February 18, 2016

John Robert Balch, Age 93, a lifelong resident of Manchester, died on Thursday, February 18, 2016 following a brief illness.

He was born in Manchester on September 27, 1922, and was the son of the late George and Hannah (O'Dea) Balch. He received his education in Manchester schools. Following his graduation from high school, he entered the U.S. Army Air Corp and served for four years in England during World War II. After returning from the war, he began his television sales and repair business, which he ran until his retirement, forty years later.

John married the former Moreen Skates, who has predeceased him several years ago.

John was a Charter Member and Past Commander of the Harned Fowler VFW Post in Manchester, and a founding member of the Manchester Country Club. Besides golf, he enjoyed bird hunting with his Brittany Spaniels as well as deer hunting,fishing, and doing cross word puzzles.

John was an avid supporter of Burr and Burton Academy athletics, and was a recipient of the Friends of Burr and Burton Athletics Award.

He is survived by two sons: Jason and his wife Gail Balch of Manchester, VT and Jebb and his wife Kathleen Balch of Smithton, IL. He leaves his grandchildren; Suzanne Knake, John Balch, Lucy Balch, Erica Gray, Leah Daugherty, and Nicholas Balch, and two great grandchildren: Emma Knake, and Isaiah Goodwyn. John leaves his friend of thirteen years, Thelma Goodell, as well as nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by brothers and sisters.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at the Harned Fowler VFW Post at 1:00PM,with military honors, followed by a time of remembrance.

Interment will take place later in the spring.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Scholarship Fund at the VFW Post. The Mahar and Son Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Manchester Center is assisting the family at this time.

Guestbook condolences may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John Robert Balch (Balch), please visit our flower store.

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Service Schedule

Past Services

Service Information

Saturday, February 27, 2016

Starts at 1:00 pm (Eastern time)

Harned Fowler VFW Post

, Bennington, VT

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