Robert Balaschak

Robert J. Balaschak, 82, of Greensburg, passed away Monday, Feb. 29, 2016, at RNC of Greater Pittsburgh. He was born June 9, 1933, in Pittsburgh, a son of the late John Balaschak and Mary (Smerigan) Balaschak.

Prior to retirement, he worked for 45 years for U.S. Steel at the Edgar Thompson Works in Braddock. He was a 25-year WPIAL basketball referee and an American Professional Slo-Pitch League umpire. He was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan and a long-term Steelers season ticket holder. During his retirement, he was a member of St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic and Faith Community in Chandler, Ariz. Upon returning to Pennsylvania, he attended the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral in Greensburg.

Robert is survived by his wife of 62 years, Patricia (Newlin) Balaschak; daughters, Lynda Beck, of Glendale, Calif., Kimberlee (Ray) Eicher, of Greensburg, and Bobbi Jo Balaschak, of Chandler, Ariz.; grandchildren, Bryan (Ashley) Rosemeyer, of Delmont, Alyson Beck, of Portland, Ore., and Morgan Gage, of Glendale, Calif.; two great-grandchildren, Hayley Rosemeyer and Bryan Robert Rosemeyer; brother, Roger Balaschak, of Monroeville; sisters, Shirley (Chuck) Owens, of Middleburg, Ohio, and Carole (Dennis) Hornicak, of Findlay, Ohio; and several nieces and nephews.

There will be no public visitation. Services and interment will be private. Arrangements are being handled by KEPPLE-GRAFT FUNERAL HOME, Greensburg. The family wishes to thank the nurses, aides and staff of RNC, his residence these past two years and Heartland Hospice for the excellent care and compassion to "Bear." Those wishing may contribute to the Alzheimer's Association, 1100 Liberty Ave., Suite E201, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 or ALZ.org; or Pet Friends, P.O. Box 484, Irwin, PA 15642. For online condolences, please visit www.kepplegraft.com.