Joseph "Joe" L. Balch

Joseph (Joe) L. Balch, 88, died on Wednesday, July 4, 2018, at White Horse Village in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, surrounded by Shirley, beloved wife of 63 years, and his children.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Aline Balch of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana.

In addition to his wife, Joe is survived by his children Cindy Uhrich of South Bend, Indiana, Greg Balch of West Chester, Pennsylvania, Jeff Balch (Lisa) of Westtown, Pennsylvania, and Ken Balch (Kim) of Radnor, Pennsylvania; his grandchildren Carolyn, Jay, Christopher and Matthew Balch; his brother Edgar Balch (Loretta) of Erie, Pennsylvania; and sister Patricia Green (Roland) of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana.    

He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was stationed in New Mexico where he designed missile guidance systems for sea-based missiles.

Joe worked at General Electric for 42 years in the GE Aerospace Division. He was a Program Manager for Nimbus and Landsat Satellites, and GE’s Space Station Program. Upon retiring Joe was actively involved with his church, Reading for the Blind, and was also a Literacy Tutor for the local library. Alongside his wife, he was an avid reader, gardener, and cook as well as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Joe was a man of deep faith, and passed that legacy on to each of his children.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 12, 2018, from 9:30 am - 10:30 am at SS. Peter & Paul Church, 1325 Boot Rd., West Chester, PA 19380; followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 am.  

A private interment will follow.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the above church and/or the Alzheimer's Association, Delaware Valley Chapter, 399 Market Street, Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106.