Joseph Balmos

Joseph Thomas Balmos, age 76, passed away quietly on July 23, 2024. Born in Chester, PA, on August 11, 1947, to Victor S. and Patricia (née Hanning) Balmos, he was the eldest of three children. Earning degrees in Education from Eastern Kentucky University and Miami University (OH), he pursued additional studies at the University of Cincinnati. A career educator who taught drafting and design, woodworking, history, and geography, Joe also studied antique craftsmanship. He liked to challenge students, friends, and family with unusual bits of trivia. He was a strong teacher advocate, a man of strong faith, and a quiet helper and caregiver to many friends and relations.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Lucinda (née Keller), and daughters Christina (Bobbi Ruddock) Balmos and Rev. Lydia (Jefferson) Casey. He was Pépère to Carter and Landon Balmos-Ruddock and Papa to Isaac and Margaret (Mallie) Casey, all of whom brought him much happiness. He is also survived by his sister Candace (Joseph) Deeken, brother William (the late Janet), and sister-in-law Nancy Lackman, several aunts, and dear nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Art, classical music, travel, gardening, family and friends, and volunteer service to others were his joys. Joe would like to be remembered as a farmer of heirloom tomatoes and quail habitats, or perhaps as the cook who added just one more secret ingredient to any written recipe, or maybe as the family's best apple pie baker whose own favorite birthday cake was cherry pie.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to: Cincinnati Public Radio (NPR) 1223 Central Pkwy, Cinti., OH 45214, www.cinradio.org/support-us/ ; or Great Parks of Hamilton County (attn: Leanne Anklan) 10245 Winton Rd., Cinti, OH 45231, www.forever.greatparks.org/give/ .

Services will be held Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at Spring Grove Cemetery, Norman Chapel, 4521 Spring Grove Ave., Cinti, OH 45232. Visitation 9-10am with service at 10am and graveside committal to follow.