Mr. John A. "Jack" Ballard

Mr. John A. “Jack” Ballard, age 93, passed away suddenly on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at his home. Born in Frankfort on January 29, 1923, John was the son of the late Tilman and Anna (Pickett) Ballard. He was raised in Frankfort and attended T.R. Proctor High School. A veteran of the United States Army Air Corps and a member of the Greatest Generation, Jack was proud of his time in the service of his country while stationed in the Pacific Theater of Operations for the duration of World War II. He was the recipient of Service Medals and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon. In 1943, during war time, Jack met and married the former Jean Brown and to that relationship came the blessing of their two children. Jean passed away in December of 1956. In 1962 he entered into a second union when he wed the former Mary F. (Lukaszewicz) Synakowski and shared with her 52 years; their companionship and common interests enhanced their lives and they truly enjoyed their later years together until Mary’s passing on October 13, 2014. Jack was a vendor for the Freeman Beverage Company as a Pepsi Cola independent distributor in the Utica/Rome area supplying stores, restaurants, and independent homes. He was well-suited for the job and his congenial nature and conversational abilities afforded him the position of Route Salesman for various food broker companies, including his last place of employment, Casa Imports. In every facet of his life, Jack was hardworking and determined; he was a great provider. He was meticulous, orderly, and accurate in accomplishing a task. He adhered to the adage, “A place for everything and everything in its place”. Cleaning was his forte. Socially, Jack was charming and took an interest in people. His kindness and wit will be remembered by many. Each day he would reiterate his position —- “I’m all right; the world’s all wrong”! He loved fun times with family and he was a grand host. He enthusiastically followed the politics of the current presidential race. Jack was proud and honored to embark on a memorable bus trip to Washington, D.C. to visit the World War II Memorial among others. He was so pleased with the warm welcome from people and dignitaries who greeted the visiting veterans. It was an emotional trip of a lifetime. A true patriot, Jack was proud to have been the longest standing member of the American Legion, New Hartford Post #1376. He was an active affiliate for 70 years! He was also a member of the Teamster’s Local #182. Jack had a sport for every season: in the spring he embraced the stats and the players of the New York Yankees, and the team lost one of its greatest fans; fall featured football and his favorite Dallas Cowboys; and the icy winds of winter ushered in the Clinton Comets of the past and the Utica Comets of the present. It seemed like yesterday that Jack and his wife, Mary, shared the sport of bowling in co-ed leagues on Monday mornings at the Pin-O-Rama Lanes. He was also a spectator of the game of golf. Jack was dedicated to his Catholic faith which sustained him all through his life. He was a parishioner of St. John the Evangelist Church where he served as Head usher, a responsibility that he accepted with pride. He prayed passionately, lived well, and walked in a path lighted by his faith in the Lord. John is survived by his son, Keith Ballard, currently at the Roseburg Veterans Administration Hospital in Oregon; his daughter, Karen Ballard of Binghamton; his step-daughter, Linda Iannone, and his step-son and daughter-in-law, Leo and Judee Synakowski. He held a fond remembrance of his late son-in-law, Anthony A. Iannone, Sr. who passed away on February 3, 2012. He also leaves his grandchildren, Sean Ballard, and Scott Ballard; Troy Jones, and Heather and Robert Haight; his great-grandchildren, Ethan, and Ryan Ballard; and Andersen Haight; and his brother, Keith Ballard. His extended family includes his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and his sister-in-law, Dorothy Ballard. He valued and remembered the true friendship of Anthony “Tony” Scalzo, and his bowling friends. He was predeceased by his siblings and their spouses, Gerald and Bernice Ballard, Donald Ballard, Kenneth Ballard, Robert and Betty Ballard, Mary and William Daniels, and Leona Ballard. The family extends gratitude to the New Hartford Police Department and the Willowvale Fire Company for their timely response and professionalism; neighbors Joseph and Sue Hughes, and Dan and Sharon Berkhoudt for their kindness and support during this difficult time. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 5:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to St. John the Evangelist Church or the Forgotten Friends Pet Rescue, 6930 State Route 10, Sharon Springs, NY 13459; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. John’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Thursday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and 10:30 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Kevin Bunger; Military Honors will be conferred at the conclusion of Mass. Entombment will take place in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum in Holy Trinity Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. John A. "Jack" Ballard

January 29, 1923 - June 4, 2016