James J Balay

James J. Balay, 67, of Hazel Township, passed away Wednesday morning at his residence following a lengthy illness.

Born in Hazleton, July 24, 1947, he was the son of the late John and Anna (Scavnicky) Balay, and spent all of his life in Hazle Township.

He was a member of Ss Cyril & Methodius Parish at the church of St. Joseph, Hazleton.  He was a U.S. Army veteran during the Vietnam War.  James was a retired Union Carpenter Supervisor and a member of the Carpenters Local Union #645.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing and the outdoors, and especially his annual trip to Canada with his sons and brothers.  James brought his work home with him by helping his sons build all of their homes.  He loved spending time with his grandchildren and his hunting dog Ike.

James was preceded in death in addition to his parents by a sister Mary Drumheller and her husband Warren and a sister in law Nora Lynne Balay.

Surviving are his wife to whom he was married 41 years on June 8th, the former Monica Piskorick, three sons John and his wife Jessica, Mechanicsburg; Michael and his wife Jennifer, Sugarloaf; James and his wife Heather, Mount Wolf; five grandchildren Anna, Michael, Madison, Andrew, Henry and one grandson due at the end of the month; a twin brother Joseph and his wife Joanne, Hazle Township; two additional brothers Jackie and his wife Wilma, Sugar Hill GA; and Thomas, Hazle Township; a sister Marie Tranguch and her husband Joseph, Lattimer Mines; an aunt Dorothy Birosh, Hazleton; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10:00 am in Ss Cyril & Methodius Parish at the church of St. Joseph at 604 N. Laurel St. Hazleton.  Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery at 49 S. Hunter Hwy, Drums.  

Contributions can be made to the AstraZeneca Hope Lodge, 110 W. Laurel Ave Cheltenham, PA 19012.  Harman Funeral Homes and Crematory Inc. (East) 669 W. Butler Drive, Drums is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences can be entered and more information is available at www.harmanfuneral.com.

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