THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, March 25, 1996 TAG: 9603250039
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B4 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Short : 36 lines
Lt. Col. John Walter Balchunis, 76, of the 600 block of Pleasant Hall Drive, died March 22, 1996, in his residence in Virginia Beach.
Mr. Balchunis was born in Philadelphia, Pa., and graduated from South Philadelphia High School for Boys. He furthered his education at Florida State University with a bachelor's degree in science. In 1979 he was awarded for 35 years of service with the U.S. government and retired from the Air Force in 1964, but continued to work for the Navy until 1982.
He did extensive volunteer work for the city of Virginia Beach and received awards from the governor and from the mayor of Virginia Beach. He was also a member of various local coin and stamp clubs and a member of Little Creek Amphibious Base Chapel.
He was preceded in death by two sisters, Francis and Helen, and a brother, Vincent. His wife, Stella, also passed away in July 1995.
Survivors include three sons, John B. Balchunis of Aurora, Colo., Robert J. Balchunis of St. Paul, Minn. and James J. Balchunis of Virginia Beach; sisters, Alberta Hughes of Westville, N.J. and Dorothy Ramsey of Bensalem, Pa.; brother, Joseph Balchunis of St. Augustine, Fla.; and two grandchildren, Michael J. and Jennifer D. Balchunis of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
The funeral will be conducted at 6 p.m. Tuesday in Smith & Williams Funeral Home, Kempsville Chapel, by the Rev. John Morris. Visitation will follow the service. Burial with full military honors will be at 3 p.m. April 3 in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the American Cancer Society.
KEYWORDS: DEATH OBITUARY by CNB