John William Balzic Obituary
John W. Balzic passed away on January 5, 2023 peacefully in his home. He was surrounded by four generations of his family. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
John was born November 27, 1939 in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, the son of Joseph Balzic and Sophie (Kosko) Balzic. He was the grandson of Russian immigrants, George and Antonina Balzic and Wesley and Anastasia (Esther) Kosko. John was raised on the family farm in Hubbard, Ohio where he learned his love of family, faith and hard work. He is preceded in death by his sister Dorothy Patrick, brother George Balzic and leaves behind his sister Joan Chuba of Sharpsville, Pennsylvania.
John graduated from Youngstown State University in Mechanical Engineering with honors. He received the highest score in the state examination given by the Ohio Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Surveyors. His lifelong career as a plant engineer began at General Tire and Rubber Company in Akron, Ohio.
John was soon transferred to General Tire in Jeannette, Pennsylvania. It was there he would meet his wife of 59 years, Janice Tabone Balzic. He said he knew she was the one the first time he saw her. The two were married on October 19, 1963.
John and Janice had five children Mary K. Anthony (Tom), Susan Saltonstall (Chad), John J. Balzic (Claudia), Linda Moon (Tedd Rodenkirch), and Karen Carson (Drew). They were blessed with with twelve grandchildren Timothy Anthony, Matthew Anthony, Joseph Anthony (dec.), Justine Balzic, Holly Anthony, Nicole (Balzic) Glover, Hunter Moon, Joseph Saltonstall, Allison Moon, Sophie Carson, John Saltonstall and Isabella Carson. They were also blessed with five great grandchildren Jaxson, Kaila, Carson, Thomas and Baby Anthony (spring 23). John was very proud to have sent all five of his children to Arizona State University where they all graduated. His family all adored him and respected him. He was the rock of the family.
John was transferred to Glendale, Arizona in 1972 to build the factory for Penn Racquet Sports. He would later travel the United States and the globe to help build factories for Penn. He was a pioneer in developing technology in the industry as well as environmental innovations. After his retirement in 2005, John continued to work as a consultant for several years and enjoyed his work in China. John was also known for his ability to fix anything, build anything and problem solve anything that came his way. He was brilliant.
In 2016, John and Janice moved into their new home in Chandler, Arizona. He enjoyed family gatherings, holidays, good food and time together with his wife in their home where they prayed the Rosary daily.
John will be dearly missed by so many who love him. His legacy lives on through the generations he created.
