Obituary of Carlton R. Balch

Carlton R. Balch passed away on May 10, 2023, after spending his final days with loving family and friends by his side. He was 78 years old.

Carl was born in Syracuse, NY, the son of Carlton H. Balch and Betty J. Watson. He was a life-long resident of Rome, graduating from RFA in 1963. He married Cherie Sauer in 1967 and although they later divorced, they were blessed with two sons. In 1989, he was married to Linda Gacina, who has remained his devoted wife for the last 34 years.

Always an entrepreneur and tireless worker, Carl was employed in household furniture moving and truck driving, followed by manufacturing experience at Rome Cable and Revere Copper, and finally his most memorable tenure at the Rome Fire Department, where he served for 20 years before retiring in 1993.

Carl was a proud father and grandfather, and a steadfast friend to many. His lifetime passions for both fun and profit included harness racing, used car sales, and real estate investing. Over the most recent decade, he and Linda thoroughly enjoyed wintering in Fort Pierce, Florida.

Besides his parents, Carl was predeceased by his brother, Douglas Balch, and an infant sister, Debra; his father- and mother-in-law, Nicholas and Beatrice Brement; and a sister-in-law, Patti Brement.

Carl is survived by his wife, Linda; two sons, Jeffrey (Rick) and Kyle (Eryn) Balch; two step-sons, Michael (Sherry) and Issiah (Heather) Gacina; a brother, Dale (Terry) Balch and sister, Barbara Kotary; brothers- and sister-in-law Bruce (Michelle) Brement, Ron (Patti) Brement, and Diana (John) Ruscito; three grandsons, Levi and Jax Balch, and Irvin Gacina; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, May 19, 2023, from 4:00pm-7:00pm, with a service immediately following at Strong-Burns and Sprock Funeral Home, 7751 Merrick Road, Rome, NY 13440.