Robert Joseph Balthazar

Robert Joseph Balthazar, of Sautee-Nacoochee Georgia, passed away Tuesday, November 16, 2010. He was 82 years old. Bob was a caring and wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was born on December 4, 1927 in Waterbury, Connecticut, and relocated to Rego Park, New York as a child. After graduating from Forest Hills high school in 1945, he entered the Merchant Marine Academy.  After serving for two years he was honorably discharged from the service and began his career at Union Carbide Corporation in May 1947. He was an outstanding salesman, receiving much recognition for his work in the plastics/vinyl industry. While working at Union Carbide, Bob met the love of his life – Norma Eugenia Hansen. Bob and Norma were married on November 5th, 1949. They moved their growing family to Georgia in 1963, with a job transfer based in Atlanta. Bob retired at age 62, but continued to service his many customers as an independent contractor. This allowed the time for recreation and travel, which he enjoyed. Bob was an avid golfer and was very proud of the hole in one he hit as a younger man. He loved everything about baseball from childhood until the end; he knew the scores, the stats and the players. At the age of 15 Bob and his father, Irving caught the last home run ball hit by Babe Ruth at Yankee Stadium at an exhibition game they attended for a war fund relief effort, in August 1942. The ball was signed by Babe Ruth and Walter Johnson, the pitcher. It was his pride and joy until he auctioned it off in 2005 to support one of his grandsons through college. He was passionate about books, music, good jokes, and fine food. He was an excellent writer and communicator, in general. Bob is survived by his wife of sixty-one years, Norma, and their daughters Lorraine, Nancy, Barbara and Suzie. Bob and Norma were blessed with 4 grandchildren: Robby Rudasill, Suzie Buck Wilson, Jessie Buck, and Joey Buck. They also have 4 great grandchildren. They are also survived by their son-in-laws, Robert Blazer and Keith McVaney. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Boys Town or the Empty Stocking Fund. A Memorial Service is planned for Saturday, December 4th, at 4pm. The service will be held at AS Turner & Sons, 2773 North Decatur Road, Decatur, GA 30033-5919.

Funeral Home:
AS Turner & Sons
2773 North Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033