Joseph M. Baliga Sr.

Published in The Times from October 25 to October 26, 2009

Joseph M. Baliga, Sr., age 76 of Crown Point, formerly of Hammond, passed away Friday, October 23, 2009.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Geraldine (nee Olchawa); sons: Joseph, Jr. (Eileen) Baliga of Crete, IL and Robert S. (Tracy) Baliga of LOFS; daughter, Susan Hurt of Hammond; grandchildren: Brian, Matthew, Colleen and Miranda; one brother, Chester Baliga of Hammond; and many nieces and nephews.

Joseph was preceded in death by sisters: Sally, Frances, Josephine, Helen and Mary; and brothers: John and Alex. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Solan-Pruzin Funeral Home, 14 Kennedy Ave. (corner of Main and Kennedy), Schererville, IN with Fr. Richard Orlinski officiating.

At rest Chapel Lawn Cemetery, Schererville.

Friends may visit with the family on Monday from 2:00-8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Joseph was a lifelong area resident and a retired Battalion Fire Chief for the City of Hammond with 28 years of service. He was a U.S. Army veteran stationed in Verdun, France.

Joseph played professional baseball for the Brooklyn Dodgers organization. He was a member of the Hammond Sports Hall of Fame and was an avid Cubs fan.

Donations in Joseph's name may be made to St. Joseph Soup Kitchen in Hammond.