Robert J. Balla

Robert J. Balla, age 87, died Wednesday after a short illness. He was a life resident of Canton, was employed by the Republic Steel Co., Union Metal Manufacturing, Nickles Bakery and the Stark County Engineer and was a former member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church and then attended the Basilica of Saint John the Baptist. Robert was well known and dedicated umpire for various baseball leagues for over 60 years and had volunteered for Mercy Medical Center. Preceded in death by his wife, Joan Balla, parents, John and Veronica Balla and a brother, John Bartuseck Sr. Survived by a daughter, Susan Balla, son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Lisa Balla, beloved grandsons, Mitchell and Evan Balla and a brother, Vincent Balla all of Canton. Services will be Monday at 10 a.m. at the Lamiell Funeral Home with ____ officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call Sunday from 2-4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Jude Children's Hospital.