Anthony J. "Blackie" Balsama

Anthony J. “Blackie” Balsama age 87 of Houston passed away Wednesday November 9, 2022, in Presbyterian University Hospital Pittsburgh. He was born December 9, 1934, in Canonsburg, a son of the late Anthony J. and Pauline J. Terchek Balsama. Blackie was raised in Canonsburg where he was a member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church of St. Oscar Romero Parish and a graduate of Canonsburg High School then attended Waynesburg College. He proudly served with the United States Army and prior to his retirement had been employed for many years as a structural Ironworker with Local 3 of Pittsburgh for any years. Mr. Balsama was an avid golfer and was a member of the Washington Country Club, where he was a member of the Crows. In 1994 he won the Club Championship and over the years he had 6 holes in one. In the 1975-76 season he and Wayne Delvecchio won the Penn State Doubles Championship. He played slow pitch softball for the World Championship with Sol Mintz Clothing company and enjoyed bowling. On September 13, 1958, he married the love of his life Thelma Jean Bell who passed away March 21, 2016. Left behind to cherish his memory are his beloved children, Sherry (Larry) Lemasters of Dallas Texas, Frank A. (Tina) Balsama of Clearwater Florida and Amanda L. (Rodney) Brookman of Houston, his nine grandchildren, Ashley (Jared) Yevins, Kaitlyn Balsama, Bradley (Ashley) Balsama, Lucas (Megi) Lemasters, Scott (Kierstin) Lemasters Blake Balsama, Londyn Lemasters, Ava and Jake Brookman, 5 great grandchildren, Jaymeson and Amelia Yevins, Mia and Mabriana Balsama and Sicily Lemasters, his sister Mamie Bell Snyder of Canonsburg and several nieces and nephews. Deceased in addition to wife and parents is his son Anthony J. Balsama who passed away August 1, 2022.
Friends and family are welcome from 2 until 8 pm Tuesday November 15, 2022, in Salandra Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc. Joseph P. Salandra LFD owner/supervisor 304 West Pike Street Canonsburg 724-745-8120 where Catholic Blessing services will be held at 12:30 pm Wednesday November 16, 2022.  Interment with full military honors will be at 1:30 pm in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Twp. To view or extend condolences please visit www.salandrafunerals.com.