Gerald Thomas Balas

Gerald Thomas (Jerry) Balas, Sr., 77, of Norristown, PA, passed away on Friday, August 17, 2018 in Cumming, GA.

A Memorial Service will be held in remembrance of him at 11:00am on Saturday, August 25th, 2018 at Community Bible Church in Cumming, GA. The ceremony will be officiated by Senior Pastor Derry Cochran with honors presented by the United States Navy Color Guard.

Gerald was born in Norristown, PA to Joseph and Maria Balas on November 23, 1940. He attended school at Bishop Kenrick High School in Norristown, PA. After serving in the United States Navy, he married Exalva G. Bishop on November 23, 1963 in Bridgeport, PA at Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church. He was employed by the Allen Wood Steel Company, American General Insurance Company and served as Chief of Police in Powder Springs, GA and Peachtree City, GA. He was honored to provide a commencement address at the Georgia Police Academy and after retirement, taught English to members of the Community Bible Church. He enjoyed golfing and fishing which in more recent years transitioned into a fondness of watching football and baseball. "Poppy" had a wonderful sense of humor and cherished his family and his special relationships with his grandchildren.

Gerald is preceded in death by Joseph and Maria Balas; sisters Mary Miscavage, Helen Keller, Amelia Sivik, Julie Lattanzi, and brothers Tony Balas and Richard Balas.

Gerald is survived by his spouse of 54 years, Exalva G. Balas; children Gerald Thomas Balas, Jr. and his spouse Lauren Balas, Jerilyn (Balas) Johnson and her spouse Brian Johnson; sisters Peggy Meteja and Eleanor Bonafazi; grandchildren Abby, Kate and Max Johnson and Sophie, Emma, and Gracie Balas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The Balas and Johnson families wish to extend our sincere thanks to Senior Pastor Derry Cochran and the numerous health care specialists, friends, and members of the community who provided valuable assistance during his extended illness.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Community Bible Church, Cumming, GA.