Stephen "Steve" G. Balko

Stephen "Steve" G. Balko was born on March 5, 1935 in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania to the late John and Mary Stranko Balko. Stephen won his freedom on March 27, 2020 after a four year battle with Lewy Bodies Dementia and Parkinson's Disease that robbed his family from their beloved Dad and Pappap. He joins in heaven the love of his life Carol H. Balko, who preceded him in death on November 14, 2012. Steve graduated from Hurst High School in 1955; proudly served his country in the US Army and worked for Warren Republic Steel/LTV Steel/Warren Consolitated Steel for 45 years before retiring in 2000. Stephen and Carol were married on October 20, 1961 and spent 51 years together. They were very rarely apart and Steve's heart was broken when she passed away. He always commented that he could not wait to see his wife again. He was a member and usher of The First United Methodist Church of Warren, Ohio for many years. He prepared the church communion, visited shut-ins each month and was an active member of the Keenagers. He loved God, the beach, bowling, sports, food-especially Slovak food, helping others and just being active. He was well known for making his famous Mac & Cheese dish for his family and friends. Most of all, he loved and was devoted to his family. He adored all his grandkids and would do anything for any of them. Steve loved his Pittsburgh Steelers- he was such a devoted fan and loved to argue with  Brown's fans. He also enjoyed the Pittsburgh Pirates and Pittsburgh Penguins. However, his favorite sport was whatever his grandkids played- he loved watching them play sports and almost never missed their games. He was never shy to tell the referee or umpire what he thought of their calls.
He leaves his children, Stephen H. Balko of Wellston, Ohio; Kimberly (Adam) Hammonds of Ravenna,Ohio and Kelli (Joe) Komlanc of Niles, Ohio. His grandchildren Patrick, Stephen A. (Brittany) and Alyssa Balko;  Sean and Timothy (Kim) Hammonds; Joey and Leighton Komlanc. His sister MaryAnn "sis" (Calvary) Bias and a brother Bernie Balko; sister-in-laws Virginia Santone of Greensburgh, PA and Gloria Seacrest of Fairless Hills, Pa, and Kaye Balko of Acme, PA; and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves his beloved dog Molly who was his devoted companion after his wife's death. Aside from his parents, he is preceded in death by his late wife Carol Hart Balko, a son Scott Balko, his sisters Dorothy Stanek and Helen Puskar, and his brothers Walt, John and Joe Balko. The family would like to thank the staff of Armstrong Memory Care, Windsor House of Champion and Crossroads Hospice for their loving care of Stephen over the last few years. They would also like to thank Dr. Alan Lerner of University Hospitals for his expertise and care in the field of dementia. Due to the pandemic in our country, there will be no calling hours and the funeral will be private. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. The family asks that all donations be made to their local food bank to help our country in this time of crisis. Steve was one of the kindest people and would do anything for anyone- in his memory and honor, we ask that you continue his legacy and be kind to everyone you meet- you never know what battles they have in their life.