OXFORD – William H. Ballin, Sr., 92, of Oxford, passed away on March 7, 2013 at his home with his family by his side. He was born on Aug. 18, 1920 in The Bronx, a son of the late Maurice and Adelaide (Seward) Ballin. On August 20, 1949 in Great Neck, NY he married Patricia Andres, who survives.
Besides his wife of 64 years, Pat, he is survived by his children, Linda and Terry Finch of Oxford, and Eileen and Dan Pearson of West Falls, NY; his grandchildren, Jason and Holly Finch, Keith and Amanda Finch, William and Rachel Ballin III, Justin Ballin, Sean Pearson, and Kara Paerson; his great grandchildren, Jillian Finch, Jocelyn Finch, Liam Ballin and Fynlee Ballin. He is also survived by his daughter in law, Tina Ballin and his very special friends, Anna and Tom Kennedy. He was predeceased by his son William Ballin, Jr.
Bill was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, where he received a battle field commission as a Lieutenant while in Italy. He received the Victory Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, 2 Purple Hearts, the Bronze Star and the European Theatre Ribbon with 3 battle stars. He was a long time member of Fort Hill Post # 376, American Legion and a past Commander and a past Commander of Christie Rock Post #2782, VFW. He served with both groups in the Honor Guard for funerals. He was a member of St. Bartholomew’s Roman Catholic Church in Norwich for many years and served as an usher for over 30 years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and was a past officer. He retired from the Nassau County Police Department prior to moving to Oxford. His family was the love of his life. He was a very kind and loving people person, who was loved by anyone that he met. He also enjoyed horses, reading, writing, crossword puzzles and gardening. He enjoyed watching high school basketball, football and soccer. He was an avid New York Yankees, New York Mets and New York Giants fan. He will be missed by his canine companion Tar.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Bartholomew’s RC Church, Norwich with the Rev. Ralph Bove officiating. Burial will be at a later date in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Oxford.
Friends may call at the Behe Funeral Home, 21 Main St., Oxford, on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Oxford Fire Department Emergency Squad, PO Box 172, Oxford, NY or Compassionate Care, 198 Grandview Lane, Norwich, NY for spaying and neutering.
Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting www.behefuneralhome.com.