On February 27, 2023, Anthony John “Duke” Balady Sr., of Durham, North Carolina, and formerly of Wayne, New Jersey, passed away quietly in his own home. He was 64. Duke Balady was born on May 23, 1958, in Paterson, New Jersey, as the sixth of his parent’s eight children.
He graduated in 1976 from Paterson’s Dom Bosco Technical High School after attending St. George’s Elementary School. Duke, the sixth child, developed his independence early in life.
To develop his skill and become a proficient bowler and a member of the Professional Bowlers Association, he spent many days of his boyhood playing stickball in the street and bowling at the Bowl O Mat in Paterson.
He participated in numerous bowling competitions and was the 1993 Golden Pin champion. Duke also made a name for himself as an intelligent, methodical poker player, frequently visiting Las Vegas and Atlantic City to play.
Duke met Patricia Ann “Pati” Lacatena in 1981 at the Bowl O Mat on an unremarkable day. After that, Pati became Duke’s strongest supporter, encouraging him at the Bowl O Mat and nationwide competitions. In 1986, Pati and Duke got married. Anthony Jr., Jessica, and Cynthia were the following three children to arrive.
At the Passaic Valley Water Commission, where he spent a lengthy and prosperous career, Duke was well-known for his excellent work ethic, wit, and humor. Duke’s generous nature caused him to form strong relationships with his coworkers. He established several pals for life who were always just a phone call away.
Duke acquired a relatively broad range of skills throughout his career in building and maintenance. Duke loved painting, and his generous nature inspired him to teach his talent to his loved ones. As his children grew older and purchased their own houses, Duke took great pride in helping them with various undertakings.
Duke and Pati relocated to North Carolina to be nearer to the children after Duke retired from the water commission in 2012. The family grew throughout time thanks to the marriages of Jessie to Ryan, Cindy to Willson, and Anthony to Hilary. In 2019 for Owen Balady Bostian, the son of Jessie and Ryan, and Cooper James Bostian, in 2022, Duke became a grandfather.
Everyone who spent time with Duke could tell how incredibly devoted he was to his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time with Cooper and Owen and has recently taken up hand painting vintage toy cars and trucks for Owen as a new pastime.
Pati has stayed at Duke’s side since that day at the Bowl O Mat. This paid off in 2022 when Duke presented Pati with the red Lexus convertible of her dreams for her 60th birthday.
Duke had a deep love for his friends and family. He was a wonderful husband, son, brother, coworker, and friend. He impacted several people’s lives. Duke will never, ever be forgotten and will be sincerely missed.
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In addition to his wife, Pati, Duke is survived by brothers Mike Balady (Cathy) and Sam Balady (Darlene); sisters Diana Ferughelli (Paul), Linda Salerno, Judi DeRosa (Jim), Karen Jasterzbski (Tom), and Bernadette Scarano (Joe); his son, Anthony John Balady Jr. and his wife, Hilary Merica; and daughters Jessica Lynne Balady Bostian, and her husband Ryan Archer Bostian and Owen and Cooper; and Cynthia Jeanne Moss, and her husband, Willson Joseph Moss.
Father Michael Balady, mother Sadie Balady, brother-in-law Joe Salerno, and the beloved family dog Teddy preceded Duke in death.
A viewing will be held at Gaita Memorial Home, 154 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Little Falls, NJ, on Friday, March 3, 2023, from 6 PM to 9 PM. On March 4, 2023, at 9 AM, a mass will be conducted at Little Falls, New Jersey’s Our Lady of the Holy Angels Roman Catholic Church, located at 473 Main Street. Please come right to the church.
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