Mike Balog passed away peacefully on Memorial Day, May 27, 2024 at the age of 81. He was greeted with open arms by his parents, Helen and Squire, his brother Pete and that long awaited caramel vodka.
He was born in Bridgeport, CT but spent his early years in Forest City, PA where he enjoyed fishing and hunting on the farm with his treasured cousins. He returned to CT in his teens and began his career with Locke Manufacturing and later at Bullard Havens Technical School.
Mike was a people person and forged many lasting relationships with the guys at the German Club, Vazzy’s and Sergi’s. He was described as a bad-ass whose hobbies included motorcycling, partying at the pool, playing cornhole with neighbors, traveling, and years of fun as a member of the Monroe Skydiving Club. Though Mike had many serious illnesses to fight over the last 28 years, he was supported with courage and strength by his loving wife of 45 years, Mary Jo. They never gave up.
He was very proud of and loved his two daughters, Dawn Balog (Jeff) and Michele Hammond (G.B.) and his brother Joe, along with his granddaughter, Fran Stacy (J.T.) and 4 great grandchildren. He had so many friends and family members that he was grateful for and kept in close contact with, often accidentally by butt dialing them!
The family would also like to send special thanks to his doctors, the Shelton EMTs and to his army of home Caregivers for their kindness, humor, and especially their patience assisting him with the TV Remote. He will always be remembered for his sense of humor, friendliness and loyalty. Cheers to you Mikey, our determined, generous, caring, fighter. You’ll be missed beyond words.
Friends may greet his family on Sunday June 2, 2024 at the Riverview Funeral Home, 390 River Rd. Shelton, 2:00 to 5:00PM. On Monday June 3, 2024, A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM in St Lawrence Church, 505 Huntington St. Shelton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Yale New Haven Hospital-Office of Development, PO Box 1849, New Haven, CT, 06508. Include on the memo line “Balog – Adams Neuroscience Fund”.
