Obituary of Walter J. "Bill" Balkus

Walter J. “Bill” Balkus, 94, beloved husband of 62 years of Edwina H. “Evelyn” (Boguszewski) Balkus, died on Tuesday, October 30, 2012 surrounded by his loving family at the Kaplan Family Hospice House, Danvers. Mr. Balkus was born in Peabody on January 1, 1918 son of William and Petronella “Beatrice” (Czeta) Balkus. As a lifelong resident of Peabody he attended and graduated from Peabody High School. He enlisted into the U.S. Army on February 27, 1941 and served as a Private receiving his honorable discharge on October 16, 1943. He then pursued his education at Bentley College in Boston. Walter was employed for 42 years as a bus driver for the MBTA with routes on the North Shore and Boston area. He was a member and Past Junior Vice Commander of the Polish American Veteran Post 13 in Chelsea, loved the ocean, fishing, dining out and good wines. He was also one of the first altar boys at St. Ann Church Peabody. Walter was a loving and devoted father to his daughter Lyne. He was never too tired or ever too busy, making sure he supported her with her scholarship and artistic achievements. Walter was especially fond of Lyne's best friend, MaryEllen Dooling. He loved her like a daughter. "He will also be remembered as a kind man who enjoyed people and was respectful of everyone." A great joy in his life were his trusted canine companions Bentley, Daisey and Joy. Walter is survived by his devoted daughter, Lyne Balkus-Lepone and her husband Jerry of Peabody; a sister, Isabel King of Peabody; a brother-in-law, Ray Bogus of Chelsea; 3 step-grandchildren, Chrysa Stoverchy, Geryl Lynn Kopcso and Carlyn Chaffee all of CT; a special niece, Ann King of Peabody and many other nieces and nephews. His siblings John Balkus, Anne Balkus, Vera Berube and Helen Gallo predeceased him. The family will received relatives and friends at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody on Monday, November 5, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. at St. Ann Church, 140 Lynn St., Peabody. Burial in Cedar Grove cemetery, Peabody. Memorial contributions may be made in Walter’s memory to a charity of one’s choice. Please visit www.ccbfuneral.com for directions, online obituary and memorial guest book.