Robert R. Balliet, Sr.

Robert R. Balliet, Sr., 96, formerly of Allentown, PA, passed away with his family by his side on Sunday, December 22, 2024. He was the son of the late John and Joyce (Schantz) Balliet, born on January 22, 1928, in Allentown.

Known as “Bob” or “Butch” to friends and family, he was a 1947 graduate of South Whitehall High School, Lehigh Valley, and would go on to spend his entire working career as a professional carpenter. Bob’s love for woodworking likely stemmed from helping his father build a home in his youth. He spent two decades with Serfass Construction, Allentown, primarily building churches across the region. He would go on to join the Union—Carpenters Local 167—where he would gain employment with Alvin H. Butz, Inc. Throughout his 22-year employment with the firm, he would do everything from fire and disaster restoration jobs to maintenance and repair work on some of the wooden rollercoasters at Dorney Park. He would officially retire in 1990.

Fishing and hunting were two hobbies he enjoyed, and he and his wife, Eleanor, traveled as often as possible. As a couple, they would spend winters in Florida and made memories with friends traveling across the U.S. in their RV. Catching the Calgary Stampede on the way to visiting Alaska was hands-down his favorite vacation. He enjoyed time spent with friends and family, but above all else, he was a devoted husband and proud father and grandfather.

Surviving Bob is his wife and best friend of 74 years, Eleanor (Snyder) Balliet; children, Robert Balliet, Jr. (Swanya) of Thailand, Ken Balliet (Judy) of Turbotville, PA, Louise Gross (Jeff) of Virginia Beach, VA, Steve Balliet (Michele) of Hershey, PA, and Craig Balliet (Susan) of Roanoke, VA; grandchildren, Robert M. Balliet, Rebecca Balliet, Christy Fry, Amanda Balliet, Eric Gross, Brittany Farley, Peyton Good, Craig Balliet, Jr., and Madeline Via; great-grandchildren, Alexa, Ian, Trevor, Emma, Liam, Owen, Leah, Coen, Gavin, and Nolan; and a large extended family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five siblings, Irene Daubert, John Balliet, Jr., Lewis Balliet, William “Bill” Balliet, and Richard Balliet.

A Celebration of Life will be private and held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Bob’s name to Homeland Hospice at www.homelandathome.org.