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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.
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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
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Funeral services provided by:
James W. Shirley Funeral Home, Inc. - North Huntingdon176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642
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