Obituary- Lawrence Leonard Ballay

Lawrence Leonard Ballay, of Florida, passed away on Saturday, March 22, 2014 in Orlando Regional Medical Center, at the age of 68. 

Larry was born in Natrona Heights, PA on September 26, 1945, he was a son of the late Leonard and Katherine (Strzeszewski) Ballay; beloved husband of 48 years to Diane (Farkas) Ballay.  He was the loving father of Laurie (Brian) Weidner (Glenshaw, PA), Jeffery (Katherine) Ballay (Dublin, OH) and Gregory (Nicole) Ballay (Gibsonia, PA); grandfather of Zachary and Emily Weidner, Nathan and Joshua Ballay, Brandon, Cameron, Ethan, and Madison Ballay; brother of Karen (John) Snizaski, and Donna Phillips, and the late Kenneth Ballay; brother in-law to Darlene Sprowls.  Larry is also survived by five nieces, one nephew, one great-niece, three great-nephews, and his loving feline, Grace. 

Larry's career provided opportunities for his family to live in Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York.  He retired in 2005 following a 33 year career with Sunoco in Operations Management.  In October 2010, Larry and his wife, Diane, relocated from Pennsylvania to Kings Ridge in Clermont, Florida to enjoy resort style community living in the warmth and sunshine.  He was an avid golfer who enjoyed each sunny day, all types of sports and loved to socialize with friends and family.

He served on the Board of Directors of the Kings Ridge Highgate Community Homeowners Association.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Natrona Council for 50 years, Kings Ridge Men's Club, Investment Club and active community volunteer.  He was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Clermont Florida.  His love for his wife, children, grandchildren and family was unconditional.  Larry displayed his faith daily as a generous, kind and devout Catholic.  Anyone who knew him loved him.

Friends and relatives will be received on Thursday, March 27, 2014 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. in the BURKET-TRUBY FUNERAL HOME CREMATION & ALTERNATIVE SERVICES, INC., 421 Allegheny Avenue, Oakmont. 

The family requests everyone meet for the funeral mass which will be held on March 28, 2014 at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 1300 11th Avenue, Natrona Heights, PA  15065.

In recognition of Larry's life, memorials may be made in the traditional manner of sending flowers or memorial contributions to St Paul Seminary, Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh, 2900 Noblestown Road, Crafton, PA.