Joseph M. Balshi

Joseph M. Balshi, 94, of Bethlehem, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 6, 2011. Born in Bethlehem on February 24, 1917, he was the son of the late Joseph C. and Elona Antolick Balshi. He is survived by his devoted wife, Helen Bluder Balshi. They celebrated 69 years of marriage on February 14, 2011.

Joseph joined the Civil Conservation Corps and helped build the Skyline Drive in Virginia. He proudly served in the U.S. Army in the South Pacific during WWII in the anti-aircraft artillery. He retired as a Turn Foreman in the Power House of the Bethlehem Steel Corporation after 48 years of service. Joseph was a talented wood crafter, car mechanic, and handyman. He could fix anything. He was a life-long parishioner of Ss. Cyril and Methodius and a member of the American Legion.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Helen, son, Joseph D. and wife Cynthia, daughters, Anita Bolden, Marisa Reese Pierce and husband Spence, niece, Cynthia Gross, grandchildren, Emily Pierce, Ashley and Noah Balshi, and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Elizabeth Zahurek, and Mary Burak.

Viewing hours will be held in the funeral home on Thursday March 10th from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Friday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Services will begin on Friday at 9:30 a.m. in the funeral home and will be followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at the Incarnation of Our Lord Parish, 617 Pierce St. Bethlehem, 18015. Interment will be in Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Incarnation of Our Lord Parish