John Gilbert Balli,Jr., 71, of Austin, passed away on January 13, 2012. John was born in Mission, Texas to the late Gilbert and Pila Balli. John is survived by his wife of 48 years, Tina; his daughter Sheryl and her husband Jeff Reeh of San Antonio; son Brian and his wife Lisa of Austin. Grandchildren: Jeffrey and Colby Reeh and Lola and Levi Balli. He is survived by his brother Dr. Larry Balli and his wife Norma of Edinburg, TX.
John actively gave back to the community by volunteering with many organizations. He coached many children including his own where he co-founded the Town & Country Optimist Club. In his later years he volunteered at the Manchaca Optimist Youth Sports Center where he coached his grandsons in baseball. John enjoyed teaching the game of golf to children through the junior golf programs of the South Texas PGA. John also enjoyed working the youth golf camps at the Onion Creek Golf Club. John volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House weekly for several years. John loved life and people.
A visitation will be held Thursday, January 19, 2012, at 6 p.m. with a Rosary at 7 p.m. at Harrell Funeral Home in Kyle. Mass will be held Friday, January 20, 2012, at 11 a.m. at Santa Cruz Catholic Church in Buda. Burial will follow at Onion Creek Memorial Park in Manchaca. In lieu of flowers, the family is respectfully requesting a donation for those youngsters that would like to play baseball but can’t afford the cost. Please send your donations to: John Balli Memorial Scholarship Fund, Manchaca Optimist Youth Sports Complex, P.O. Box 444, Manchaca, TX 78652.
