FUNERAL HOME

James W. Shirley Funeral Home, Inc. - North Huntingdon

176 Clay Pike

North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania

Michael Ballas Obituary

Michael Paul Ballas, 84, of North Huntington, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021, after a series of recent strokes and a courageous battle with cancer over the last 15 years. Michael was the beloved husband of Norma Lee Ballas for 58 years and loving father of Michael R. Ballas, of Delaware, and Mark Ballas, of Alpharetta, Ga. Michael was also survived by his brother, Jack and wife, Rita, sister Mary Elizabeth McCutcheon, and brother, Paul and wife, Jean. Michael is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous loving friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael J. Ballas and Mary Vereb Ballas, and his brother, Daniel and wife, Henrietta Ballas. Mike was a proud Army veteran, serving at Fort Knox, Ky., from October 1958 through May 1959. In 1961, Mike was recalled to active duty during the Berlin Crisis and served honorably at Fort Eustis, Va., until 1962. Mike's professional career started as an industrial engineering analyst at Union Railroad for four years, while he also received his A.S. degree in management from Penn State University. Then, moving on to Westinghouse Nuclear as an engineering Administrator until 1966 when he began to work at Mine Safety Appliance Co. (MSA Safety). Mike ultimately became the human resource manager for the Safety Products Division of MSA, a role he served in for 11 years until his retirement in August of 1999. In 1986 Mike became a published author sanctioned by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) when he crafted "A Productive Alternative-Employee Assistance Programs". This manual helped companies and HR practitioners recognize that off-the-job problems affect on-the-job performance, and that companies have a responsibility to assist people through "life issues" thereby creating a positive and more effective workplace. Mike was an active member of St. Agnes Parish for more than 50 years, where he served on the financial committee as well as an usher. He was also a PTA participant and band parent at Norwin High School. Mike will be remembered for his wit, wisdom and kindness to all he met. Family and friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021, at JAMES W. SHIRLEY FUNERAL HOME, 176 Clay Pike, Irwin, PA 15642. Words of Remembrance will be held at 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 24, 2021, in the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. in St. Agnes Parish. Interment will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, https://www.lls.org. in memory of Michael P. Ballas.

Published by Tribune Review on Sep. 23, 2021.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Ballas

Not sure what to say?





2 Entries

Norma, I am so sorry about Mike's passing. As I am living in Montana now, it's the first I heard.

Valerie Condron

October 14, 2021

Lisa & Phil , Sorrow to here about you Uncle.Our Paryers are with you & your family.May Jesus accept him with open arms. May he rest in peace.

Tom & Carolyn Baverso

September 23, 2021

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results

Make a Donation
in Michael Ballas's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Michael Ballas

Sep

23

Visitation

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

James W. Shirley Funeral Home, Inc.

176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642

Sep

23

Visitation

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

James W. Shirley Funeral Home, Inc.

176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642

Sep

24

Service

10:00 a.m.

St. Agnes Church

11400 St. Agnes Lane, North Huntingdon, PA 15642

Funeral services provided by:

James W. Shirley Funeral Home, Inc. - North Huntingdon

176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642

How to support Michael's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Michael Ballas's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more