Jonas P. "John" Balys, PhD, "Lithuanian Folklorist", age 102, a resident of Naperville, IL, since 1999, and formerly of Silver Spring, MD (1961-1998), passed away peacefully on Sept. 9, 2011, at his home at St Patrick's Residence. He was born July 2, 1909, in Krasnava, Lithuania to Jokubas and Anele, nee Balciunaite Balys. Dr. Balys is survived by his loving children, Angela Laima (Paul R.) Bergeron of Palmyra, VA, and Peter Gediminas Balys of Clarksville, VA; his cherished grandchildren, Paul R. Bergeron, III, Robert A. Bergeron, Thomas E. Bergeron, Karen M. Glover, Laura Huerst, Lisa Mongold and Liana Bell; as well as 14 wonderful great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helen, nee Rucinskaite Balys, in 2006. Dr. Balys was the premier Lithuanian folklore scholar living in the United States. He spent his life collecting, recording, classifying and publishing folk songs, folk tales, proverbs, riddles and legends. He retired from the Library of Congress, Washington DC, Slavic and Central European Division in 1981, after 25 years of service as a Researcher and Head Librarian. He was a prolific author, publishing over 600 articles and 35 books. Visitation will be Friday, Sept. 16, 9 a.m., until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial begins at 10 a.m., at St. Patrick's Residence Chapel, 1400 Brookdale Rd., Naperville, IL, 60563. Interment will be at Monticello Memory Gardens, in Charlottesville, VA. Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 South Mill St., Naperville, IL 60540. (630) 355-0213, www.friedrichjones.com.
Published in Chicago Tribune on September 14, 2011.
Published in Chicago Tribune on September 14, 2011.
Jonas P. "John" Balys, PhD, "Lithuanian Folklorist", age 102, a resident of Naperville, IL, since 1999, and formerly of Silver Spring, MD (1961-1998), passed away peacefully on Sept. 9, 2011, at his home at St Patrick's Residence. He was born July 2, 1909, in Krasnava, Lithuania to Jokubas and Anele, nee Balciunaite Balys. Dr. Balys is survived by his loving children, Angela Laima (Paul R.) Bergeron of Palmyra, VA, and Peter Gediminas Balys of Clarksville, VA; his cherished grandchildren, Paul R. Bergeron, III, Robert A. Bergeron, Thomas E. Bergeron, Karen M. Glover, Laura Huerst, Lisa Mongold and Liana Bell; as well as 14 wonderful great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helen, nee Rucinskaite Balys, in 2006. Dr. Balys was the premier Lithuanian folklore scholar living in the United States. He spent his life collecting, recording, classifying and publishing folk songs, folk tales, proverbs, riddles and legends. He retired from the Library of Congress, Washington DC, Slavic and Central European Division in 1981, after 25 years of service as a Researcher and Head Librarian. He was a prolific author, publishing over 600 articles and 35 books. Visitation will be Friday, Sept. 16, 9 a.m., until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial begins at 10 a.m., at St. Patrick's Residence Chapel, 1400 Brookdale Rd., Naperville, IL, 60563. Interment will be at Monticello Memory Gardens, in Charlottesville, VA. Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 South Mill St., Naperville, IL 60540. (630) 355-0213, www.friedrichjones.com.
Published in Chicago Tribune on September 14, 2011.
Published in Chicago Tribune on September 14, 2011.
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