Daniel Balya

The Tribune-Democrat, October 27, 2008

BALYA – Daniel G., 82, Central City, died Oct. 25, 2008, at Somerset Hospital. Born Dec. 29, 1925, in Central City, son of Michael and Margaret (Antol) Balya. Preceded in death by parents; wife, Helen (Treece); infant brother, Michael; brother-in-law, Frank Naret; and grandniece, Lauren Naret.

Survived by brother, William (Lucille), Schellsburg, and sister, Mary Ann Naret, Central City. Also survived by the Naret nephews, Jeffrey (Sheilah), Florida; Michael (Helen), Johnstown; Frank II (Mary), New York; Richard (Kathy), Florida; and James (Tina), Central City; nieces, Meri Ann Alt (Ron), Central City, and Debbie Nelson (Skip), Buckstown; numerous grandnieces and grandnephews; and dearest friend, Pauline.

Dan was a 1943 graduate of Shade High School. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. Dan was a pitcher for the Philadelphia Athletics farm team. He graduated from Clarion University and taught school at Shade for 33 years, during which time he coached football, basketball, baseball and golf.

He was a member of Graef’s Lutheran Church. Dan belonged to the Masonic Order and the Shriners. He was active in the American Legion, VFW, Lions, TPA, Democrat Club and Somerset Old Timer’s Association, where he entered into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Mulcahy Funeral Home, Central City. Funeral service will be held at Graef’s Lutheran Church, Cairnbrook, on Thursday at 11 a.m. with visitation beginning at 10 a.m., the Rev. Bob Way officiating. Committal, SS. Peter & Paul Lutheran Cemetery, Central City.

Military graveside rites by Central City American Legion and VFW. Masonic funeral service at 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be may be of Graef Lutheran Church Building Fund in Dan’s memory.