James E. Balogh

Balogh – James E., “Coach”, 96, Richland, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on January 30, 2021. Born on December 5, 1924 in Quecreek, PA, son of Charles and Bertha (Keri) Balogh. Preceded in death by his parents; son, James Balogh Jr.; 4 brothers, John, Charles, Alex, and Steve, and 4 sisters, Pearl Marston, Betty Balogh, Erma Polis, and Irene Owens. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Margaret (Slis) Balogh; children, Bonnie L. (Craig) Kern, Berkeley Springs, WV, Vickie A. Newton, Moreno Valley, CA, Sharon S. (Steve) Matsko, Glen Allen, VA, Dr. Lori L. (David) Lindbergh, Richland, Barbara L. (Craig) Williamson, Cape Coral, FL, and Pamela J. (Donald) Knight, Citrus Heights, CA; grandchildren, Marci (Arthur) Bard, Moreno Valley, CA, Matthew (Margaret) Kern, Deal Island, MD, Jennifer (Nick) Feaster, Chesterfield, VA, Dr. Stephanie Matsko, Glen Allen, VA, Bretton (Abigail) Kern, West Mifflin, PA, Dr. Lauren Matsko, Staunton, VA, Emily (Jeffrey) Bengel, Pittsburgh, PA, Travis Knight, Sacramento, CA, Dylan Knight, San Diego, CA, Jason Knight, Citrus Heights, CA, Kristin (Scott) Tyson, Clayton, NC, and Kyle Lindbergh, Sanford, NC; great grandchildren, Hannah, Ethan, Madelyn, Maybree, Reagan, Molly, James, and Luke, and numerous nieces and nephews. James was a 1943 graduate of Richland High School and then earned a degree in Health and Physical Education at Slippery Rock University. He played on a Farm League for the Chicago Cubs for several years and later a Scout for the Los Angeles Dodgers. James served with the 3rd Infantry Division in the US Army during WWII, where he earned 4 Purple Hearts. He retired from Westmont Hilltop after 33 years of service as a teacher. James was also Head Coach for the baseball and basketball teams and assistant football coach. He was a member of Windber VFW Post #4795, where he served on the Ritual Team; Old Timers Baseball League, and was also in a bowling league at Richland Lanes. James was also past Commander of both the Military Order of Purple Hearts Chapter #992 and the Disabled American Veterans. He was also a member of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church. James loved watching sports, playing golf, gardening, and spending time with all his family. He was an avid Boston Red Sox fan. James loved watching old Westerns and Audie Murphy was his hero. In his later years, he enjoyed playing BINGO with his wife and friends at Graystone Court. Friends will be received from 4-7 p.m. on Friday at the Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland and from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Scott Klimke officiating. Entombment will be at Richland Mausoleum with military rites conducted by Windber VFW Post #4795 Ritual Team. The Saturday funeral service will be broadcast on FM radio station 88.3 if you are near the church or visit https://www.mt-calvarylutheran.org/radio-broadcast/ for live streaming. The family suggests contributions, in memory of James, be directed to Windber VFW Post #4795, 1420 Graham Ave, Windber, PA 15963 or to Military Order of Purple Hearts Chapter #992, 245 Peaceful Valley Road, Windber, PA 15963, or to the Disabled American Veterans, 1000 Liberty Ave # 1606, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Online condolences may be posted to www.wharrisfuneralhome.com.