Thomas Raymond Balchak

Thomas Raymond Balchak, 73, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 7, 2025 in Dublin, Ohio.
Born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, Tom spent much of his life in Akron, where he was a former member of St. Paul Catholic Church. A proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force, he served as a Sergeant during the Vietnam War Era, embodying a lifelong commitment to service and resilience.
Tom earned his Master of Social Work from the University of Akron and dedicated his career to helping others as a social worker in the Department of Internal Medicine at Summa Health System. His unwavering character and compassionate nature made him a role model and mentor to many.
Tom found joy in life's simple pleasures-tending to his vegetable garden, savoring iced tea in the summer, and cheering on his favorite football teams. He looked forward to apple-picking season each year and took pride in making his own applesauce. He was a die-hard coffee lover, always adding new mugs to his collection.
Tom was deeply devoted to his family, he took enormous pride in supporting his children and grandchildren in their hobbies and activities. He was a loving father, grandfather, brother; and a steadfast advocate for his mother, Carylin, until her recent passing. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Carylin (Hovanec) Balchak, and his sister Barbara Porter. He is survived by his children: Katianne Balchak, Rose Cvengros (Mike), and Patrick Balchak; grandchildren: Aubrey and Jack Henderson; siblings: Kathy Case, Frank Balchak (Sue), Gerry Slipski (Ron), and Carrie Pearce.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1580 Brown St. Akron, Ohio 44301 with calling hours beginning one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow at 1:15 p.m. at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.
Tom's life was a testament to his quiet strength, enduring love, and the power of service. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.