Obituary of Richard Balzer

Richard Thomas Balzer, 64, went to be with his Lord on Thursday, May 1, 2008 at Warren Hospital, Phillipsburg, NJ. Richard was born on September 6, 1943 in Passaic, NJ a son of the late Carl and the late hazel Savage Balzer. Richard lived in Washington Township for the past 37 years. Mr. Balzer has taught mathematics at Kutztown University, Northampton Community College and Raritan Valley Community College , as well as WCCC. Previously, he taught mathematics in New Jersey public high schools for 11 years. He later was employed for 18 years as a computer programmer analyst in financial services and companies, where he helped design and develop computer software for insurance and business information products. He has co-authored articles on secondary school mathematics, which have been published by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. He was an avid baseball fan cheering on the Phillies and the Mets. Richard enjoyed spending some of his leisure time playing horseshoes. Richard was an active member of the United Methodist Church of Washington having served in the past as a President and Treasurer of the Trustees. Survivors: Richard is survived by his wife of 41 years, Marilyn Balzer of Washington Township, NJ; two sons, David Ingram Balzer of Watsontown, PA and Michael Richard Balzer of Sagamihara City, Japan; one daughter, Mary Ellen Czesak of Fishkill, NY. He is also survived by one granddaughter, Katie and four grandsons, Bryan, Trent, Stephen and Ethan; two nephews, Troy and Ryan and 4 nieces, Elizabeth, Theresa, Cathleen, Jennifer. Along with his family he will be missed by many. He was predeceased by his brothers, Floyd Campbell and Carl John Balzer. Services: Friends may call Monday, May 5, 2008 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM and Tuesday, May 6, 2008 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the United Methodist Church Of Washington, 116 E. Washington Ave, Washington, NJ. A funeral service will immediately follow the Tuesday visitation at 11AM in the United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.devoefuneral.com. Memorials: Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220-3049. Or to the church at the above address Tributes: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Marilyn and Family--Patrick just let us know about Rich. So sorry for your loss, and sorry we havent kept in touch and it has to be something like this to do it. Our address in Fl is: 114 Bear Foot Trail, Ormond Beach, Fl. 32174. All our love and sympathy Frank and Madeline -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tribute from: Patricia Carroll Dear family, I'd like to express my sympathy for the lost of your loved one. I imagine it's not easy to fill the void, but please take comfort in these reassuring words; your loved one have the hope of enjoying life again in a cleansed earth where death will be no more. You can read this in God word the bible at (Revelation 21:4) . . .And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tribute from: stephanie schoemaker Marilyn, I can only imagine your thoughts and feelings at a time like this.Memories and love stay alive forever even though the body does not. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Your "children" are worried about you and ask for you daily. All our love -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tribute from: Kathy, Charles & Kristi Seeger Marilyn & family - Rich was a very kind and caring person and such a joy to know. He will be greatly missed! Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this very difficult time. May your memories bring you comfort. God Bless. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Miss Marilyn,Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family,God bless! Rhiannon,Dean,Heidi,Mike & Melinda Robertson -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To the family of Mr. Richard Balzer, I was both shocked and saddened to hear of Mr. Balzers passing. Mr. Balzer was my geometry teacher at Hackettstown High School in 1971- 1972. Recently he was teaching my daughter Brittani at Warren County Community College. He was indeed a wonderful and caring teacher and human being and I was so happy that he was helping Brittani with her math, she too was saddened when she went to class today. We will remember him in our prayers. With warmest regards, John DiMaio -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tribute from: Linda Yoder, Math Dept, Kutztown University Marilyn and family: It was a sad day in the Math Dept at Kutztown University when we learned of Rich's death. Rich will be greatly missed by his students and colleagues. He was a caring teacher who always went out of his way to help his students. Rich always had a smile and he often talked about his loving wife, children and grandchildren. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tribute from: KU student To the family of Mr. Balzer, I was shocked and upset when I recieved the news. He is a very respected man and a caring math teacher. He will truly be missed because honestly he is the best teacher I have ever had. Your family will be in our prayers. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Professor Balzer was an exemplary math teacher, the kind who cared about his students. He made others feel that they were appreciated. His wide respect was well earned. My condolences go to his wife, children, and grandchildren. Kathleen Counterman, tutor at W.C.C.C. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tribute from: Lynn Loaiza, KU Student Professor Balzer was recommended to me from my friend to take for math because she said "Professor Balzer is the man!" so i took class with him this semester and it was true, he was the sweetest guy ever and i learned so much! I am very saddened for the passing of him and shocked as well. I just said to him tuesday when i found out i didnt have to take the final.."you are the best professor ever, i never recieved an A in math,i hope you have a wonderful summmer with your new grandchild! ..he loves his family very much, always brought them up :) and his chihuahua. Anyway im blessed to have met such a great man and i can only imagine how lovely Marilyn is. Your family will be in our prayers -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tribute from: KU Student To the family of Mr. Balzer, Professor Balzer cared deeply about his students and was one who said hello or waved as he saw you around campus. He was always smiling and telling jokes, but most of all he was willing to do anything to help you succeed in his class. He was by far my favorite professor and will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tribute from: KU student I am truly sadened to hear this news. Professor Balzer was an excellent Math teacher and I was very lucky to have him as a Professor this Spring Semester- he will truly be missed. My condolences go to Professor Balzer's family and friends. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tribute from: Student of Professer Balzer's For so many years I had struggled and when I say STRUGGLED I mean...STRUGGLED with math!!! Professor Balzer really helped me to understand math. I actually received a B in his class. That was the first B I've ever Received in math. What an amazing professor. He truly cared about all of his students and he will be missed dearly by everyone at Kutztown University. I'm very saddened that I will not be able to take him for math 104. May he rest in peace. To the Balzer family you are in my prayers -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tribute from: KU Student I had him for math this semester. It was a great class and he was a great teacher. I wish the best to his family. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tribute from: T.J Fitzpatrick In my past 20 years, not one teacher has been able to teach me math. It is not my strong subject and my highest grade ever was a C. Mr. Balzer had a way of relating to his students and he is truly one of the best teachers I have ever had. I gave him the best review (at the university) as a professor and he deserved every bit of it. Mr. Balzer was just one of those guys that made the learning process interesting. He always would tell us about Jersey and his cats and just showed us he was a real person that wanted us to succeed. The last class he taught he gave us all 25 points to help boost our grades. Most teachers' don't care like he did. He will truly be missed and I hope to half the teacher that he was. God bless his family who must still be in shock and everyone else that has had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Balzer. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tribute from: Alexandra Peters and Amanda Leickel Professor Balzer made waking up at 7:30 for an 8:00am math class bearable. His smile was contagious and his genuine concern for his students made him one of our favorite professors here at Kutztown University. He will truly be missed. God bless your family. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tribute from: Greg am sadden with the news of your loss. I was a student this semester in one of his math classes. I just want to say he was the best math teacher i ever had, and it's a shame that future students won't have the chance to have him as a professor -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tribute from: KU Student To the family of Mr. Balzer, I am extremely shocked and upset about the news I heard today. I had him for my math class at Kutztown and I can honestly say that he was my favorite math teacher. He is the most genuine teacher because he truly wants ALL his students to succeed. He will be truly missed and I will keep his family in my prayers. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tribute from: KU Student To the Family of Mr. Richard T. Balzer, I recently just finished up my math course with Pro. Balzer on Thursday. It is so hard to believe that he is no longer with you! I am truly sorry about your loss. He was an excellent teacher and a very caring man. Thoughts and Prayers always!! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tribute from: Cindy Macklin I was shocked and upset when I heard the news. Professor Balzer was a kind, caring professor who went the extra mile to help his students. He was the kind of man that every student should have the priviledge of having as a professor. My deepest sympathies go out to Professor Balzer's wife, children and grandchildren. Cindy Macklin, WCCC Student -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tribute from: Cheryl Leggio Marilyn, So very sorry about Rich. He was loved by many and will be missed greatly. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Cheryl Leggio -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tribute from: KU Student To the Family of Mr. Richard T. Balzer, He was the best math professor that KU may ever have. He was one of the few professors I have had this semester who was actually willing to sit down and talk. I remember a really snowy day he stayed late just to help me do my math homework. He is really going to be missed amongst the KU math dept and it's students. We are all saddened to have lost such a great and caring man. My condolences to the family and those closest to him. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Marilyn & Family: I just wanted to let you know that my family and I have had you all in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult and sad time. We all truly loved Rich, he was such a wonderful, caring man. We feel blessed to have gotten to know him. I know that God will continue to bless you, and keep you all surrounded by his loving arms...Our love and prayers for all, Barbara --------------------------------------------------------------------------------