Joseph F. Balog

Joseph F. Balog, age 68, of Madison, Ohio, passed away Tuesday, July 31, 2018 at home surrounded by his family. He was born August 16, 1949 in Cleveland, Ohio the son of Joseph J. and Eleanor Balog. Joseph married Caroline (Koenig) Wilde in Las Vegas on April 11, 1988. A 1967 graduate of St. Joseph High School Joe served in the U.S. Army from 1970-1976. He graduated in the first Paramedic Class at Richmond Hts. General Hospital and served as a Paramedic for the Kirtland Fire Department in the 1970s. His professional and loving touch can be seen throughout the Lake Metroparks where he worked for 30 years as Manager of Buildings and Grounds. In that capacity, Joe taught many young adults and guided them down the road to a responsible work ethic. His motto was always, Autograph your work with excellence. Joes dream was to travel. After retirement he and his wife of 30 years volunteered for U.S. Fish and Wildlife, spending many productive winters together in Texas, Louisiana, Colorado, New Mexico, and Alabama. Back in Ohio, Joe served for many years as a volunteer Red Coat at Playhouse Square Center. At the Ohio Theater, Joe performed as a dead man, in Arsenic and Old Lace. He was a season ticket holder at Rabbit Run Theater since the 1980s. Joe loved spending time with his grandchildren as well as wood working, remodeling his century home, gardening and mastering the computer. He is survived by his wife, Caroline Balog; daughter, Elizabeth (Michael) Scipione; stepson, Patrick Wilde; granddaughters, Giselle and Sabrina Scipione; grandson, Michael Wilde; sister, Katherine Balog; and brothers, John and James (Louise) Balog; nieces Chelsea and Nevaeh. He was preceded in death by his parents. Friends will be received from 5 - 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 5, 2018 at the Behm Family Funeral Home, 26 River St., Madison, Ohio. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 6, 2018 at Immaculate Conception Church, 2846 Hubbard Road, Madison, Ohio. Fr. Sean Donnelly will be officiating the service. Final Resting Place will be Madison Memorial Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions in Joes name to Rabbit Run Community Arts Association, 49 Park Street, Madison, OH 44057 Obituary and guestbook online at www.behmfuneral.com