Peter M Barbalas

Peter M. Barbalas, 88, passed away November 10, 2014 in his home in Valparaiso, IN. Peter was born May 29, 1926 in Cincinnati, OH to Manuel and Evdokia Barbalas, Macedonian immigrants from northern Greece. He was proud to have served his country in the US Army in WWII as a rifle sharpshooter, attaining the rank of sergeant. After leaving the Army, Peter received an associate degree in business. He then turned his skills to a career as a traffic and transportation manager for A & P Tea Company, and later Allied Grocers, in charge of retail grocery distribution. Although living in Valparaiso since 2013, Peter always considered Indianapolis his home and lived there for over 60 years. Peter will be most remembered as a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather who always put his family first on his list of priorities. He was an avid reader and had a true love of history – and the gift of bringing it alive to others. A “fun guy” to his grandchildren, he also learned to kick up his heels after his retirement, enjoying square and line dancing with his favorite partner, his wife Eleanor “Ellie.” Memorable trips over the years included two trips to China and a 50th-wedding anniversary cruise to Alaska with the entire family, but the trip he always remembered most fondly was a bicycle trip back in the 1980’s, enjoying the fall foliage in Vermont, with Ellie, his son Michael and his daughter-in-law Lorina. Family and friends will truly miss the smile and gentle humor of this kind and loving man. Peter was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Jenny DeMoss and brother Lou Barbalas. He is survived by his dance partner of 60 years, Ellie; son Michael (Lorina) Barbalas of Beijing China; daughters-Theresa Barbalas of Virginia Beach, VA., and Mary (Dr. Robert) Ray of Valparaiso; grandchildren Katie (Jim) Conlon, Brian Ray, Krissy (Jason) Roberts, Jonathan Barbalas and David Barbalas; his brothers John and Andy, and his sister Vicky. Friends are invited to meet with Peter’s family on Thursday, November 13, 2014 from 3-7 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home, 701 E. 7th St., Hobart, IN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 2 p.m. at St. Pius X Church, 7200 Sarto Dr., Indianapolis, IN. Visitation at the church from 1 p.m. until the time of mass at 2 p.m. Interment at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery, Indianapolis. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to VNA of Porter County (www.VNAportercounty.org), St. Pius X Catholic Church, 7200 Sarto Dr. Indianapolis, IN or the National Kidney Foundation. www.burnsfuneral.com

Peter M Barbalas

May 29, 1926 - November 10, 2014