Paul V. Ballas, 76, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2023. Paul was the youngest of five children, born in his childhood home in McKeesport, PA to Michael J. and Mary M. Ballas. In addition to his parents, Paul was predeceased by his brother Daniel M. Ballas and wife Henrietta, his brother Michael P. Ballas, and brother-in–law Charles C. McCutcheon.
He is survived by his wife Jean Nealen Ballas, brother John (Jack) V. Ballas and wife Rita, sister Mary E. McCutcheon, and sister-in-law Norma L. Ballas. Paul will be deeply missed by his nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as the Nealen family.
Paul retired from Purchase Line HS after 35 years of teaching English. Paul was known to many as a friend due to his humorous nature and prolific storytelling, punctuated by his lighthearted demeanor. Ever the cook, Paul was known for his love of grilling and entertaining his family & friends.
He enjoyed all sports, particularly baseball, in which he participated enthusiastically as a player, coach, and fan. He will be remembered as a lover of traveling, beaches, desserts, wine, and the craft beer bottles he collected. NA ZDRAVIE!
His family would like to thank Jan Drappatz M.D. and the medical team at UPMC Hillman and the staff at both Concordia-IRMC VNA and The Communities at Indian Haven for providing Paul with compassionate medical care.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Thomas More University Parish Indiana PA on Saturday November 18, 2023 at 10:30 am.
Donations in Paul’s memory can be made to UPMC Hillman Cancer Center for glioblastoma cancer research. Please make checks payable to the University of Pittsburgh. Mail to: UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, UPMC Cancer Pavilion, Suite 1B, 5150 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, or online via credit card at www.upmchillman.com/donate
Service arrangements are with Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home & Crematory, Indiana, where online condolences may be made at rbfh.net .
