Douglas Paul Balla, 59, of Katy, Tex., passed away after a brief illness Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017.
Doug was born Feb. 13, 1958, in Euclid to Peter and Dorothy Balla.
He was the loving husband of 33 years, Laura M. Balla; dear son of Dorothy M. Balla; brother of Kathleen S. Hendrick; uncle of Lyndsey, Allison, Kyle, Emily, April and Charles; and great uncle of Levi, Lila, Jackson, Damon and Luke. He also leaves many good friends that will remember him fondly.
He was preceded in death by his father, Peter Balla.
Doug grew up in Eastlake area and attended Eastlake North High School.
He received a certificate in welding from Lincoln Electric Welding School in Cleveland before leaving Ohio for Texas in 1981, with the love of his life, Laura. He had a long career as a tool repair technician working for such prestigious firms as Porter Cable and Makita Power Tools.
Doug was an accomplished Ham Radio operator with the handle KD5VDH. He enjoyed the outdoors, kayaking, fishing, motorcycling and bicycling. His favorite times were camping with Laura, spending time in parks and reserves all over North America.
Mr. Balla was a man of great faith. He was an active member at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Houston, where he was on the RCIA Core Team, a Eucharistic Minister of Holy Communion and spent every Friday volunteering at Joseph’s Coat at the parish. He was loved by those who were honored to know him, and he will be greatly missed.
Family will receive friends from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017, at McMahon-Coyne-Vitantonio Funeral Home, 38001 Euclid Ave., Willoughby, with a prayer service at 10:30 a.m. A graveside service and burial will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery in Twinsburg.
To leave condolences for the family, order flower or light a memorial candle, visit www.MCVfuneralhomes.com.