Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and patriarch of the Balling Family, Kenneth "Ken" W. Balling, 68 years old, of Bear Lake, New York and Fort Pierce, Florida, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on December 23, 2024, in Florida.

Ken grew up in North Tonawanda, New York and was a 1974 graduate of North Tonawanda High School, where he was a stellar football player and in his earlier years a State Champion wrestler. He continued his education, earning his Bachelor's Degree from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry at Syracuse University and his Master's Degree from Cornell University. Ken began his professional career in 1980 at Cornell Cooperative Extension and worked directly with the 4-H program, contributing greatly to the program's mission of helping young people reach their full potential. In 1985 Ken was the recipient of the New York State Conservation Educator of the Year Award. In 1995 Ken transitioned to a career in public education where he found his true calling. Ken taught technology at Cassadaga Valley Central School for twenty-three years, where he had a lasting impact on the lives of countless students, many of whom stayed in touch with him long after graduation. In addition to shaping lives in the classroom, Ken also helped mold the lives of numerous young athletes as a dedicated Football, Basketball and Softball coach. Ken will long be remembered for the way he passionately coached the varsity softball team, leading the team to much success and winning Coach of the Year honors numerous times. Ken greatly believed in giving back to his community and spent nearly 50 years answering calls to duty as a Volunteer Firefighter, with the Gratwick Hose Fire Company and the Stockton Volunteer Fire Company. Ken also spent many years as a Director on the Chautauqua County Fair board. Ken was also a dedicated member of the Roman Catholic Church and lived his life based on unwavering faith in God.

After retiring, Ken did what he loved most, spending time with his many, many friends and family and enjoying the outdoors! Ken was an avid hunter and fisherman and could often be found enjoying one of his favorite places, "West Valley", where he passed down his love of the outdoors to his family and friends and created memories that will last a lifetime.

Kenneth W. Balling is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Maryann Harris Balling, and his daughter, Amanda (Matthew) Schwartz and his son, Daniel (Ashley) Balling. He cherished his role as a grandfather to his grandchildren, Clare Mary Schwartz (his favorite softball player), Charlie Kenneth Balling (his favorite hunting buddy), William Kenneth Schwartz (his favorite building partner), Avery Christine Balling (his spirit animal), and Jack James Balling (his favorite fishing buddy). He is also survived by his cherished siblings, sisters, Jean (Charles) Ryan, Joan (Gregory) Post, Deborah Balling; and many, many graduates of "Ken Balling's College of Knowledge," including his loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is predeceased by his parents, Leonard and Anna Mae Balling, and his siblings, Thomas Balling, Bernard Balling, Lenore Thompson and William Balling.

Ken was a true gentleman and led by example; he was kind and generous to all that came into his life. To know him was to love him. Family and friends are invited to visit at Lind Funeral Home, located at 805 West 3rd Street, Jamestown, NY 14701, on Friday January 3, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Mary of Lourdes Catholic Church, located at 41 Main Street, Bemus Point, NY 14712, at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2025. Burial will be private and at the convenience of his family at Greenwood Cemetery in Stockton, NY.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Stockton Volunteer Fire Company in honor of Ken's commitment to his community and helping others.