Francis M. “Frank” Balik

GREECE – Frank is predeceased by his parents, Josef & Gizella Balik; siblings, Joseph Balik, Michael Balik, & Mary Cooley. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Sheila Balik; step-children, Gary (Susan) Schell & Sheryl (James) O’Reilly; grandson, Jason Schell; several sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews & dear friends.

Franks life story will be shared during his visitation, Monday, November 27th, 9:30 AM at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Lane (Between 390 & Long Pond Rd.). His funeral service will begin at 10:30 AM at the funeral home. Immediately following, Frank will be laid to rest in Parma Union Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Armed Forces Retirement Home, 3700 N. Capitol St., NW, Washington, DC 20011-8400 or to ASPCA, 424 E 92ND St., New York, NY 10128-6804.

Balik, Francis M. (Frank) CW2, US Army Retired, died November 20. 2023. Born in Bethlehem, PA, graduated from Bethlehem Catholic High School (GED) and attended the University of Alabama (Huntsville Campus), attaining an advanced status with 96 credits. He is survived by his beloved wife Sheila, son Gary (Susan) Schell, daughter Sheryl (James) O’Reilly, grandson Jason Schell and many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his parents Josef and Gizella Balik, brothers Joseph F. (Helen), Michael J. (Barbara) and sister Mary P. Cooley (Walter).

In his childhood, he aspired to be a soldier and just after his 17th birthday he enlisted in the US Army. He served with honor and pride for more than 20 years seeing service in both the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War.

While an enlisted man, he served as an Infantryman, and Military Policeman attaining the rank of Platoon Sergeant. He then volunteered for Explosive Ordnance Disposal School and Nuclear Weapons Disposal School. Upon successful completion of the training, he was assigned to various EOD units. He later became an Instructor in the EOD Refresher Training Program at Redstone Arsenal. In 1966 he was appointed a Warrant Officer and was assigned duties as a Ammunition Technician/Platoon Leader in the 599 Ord Company (AMMO) DS/GS which deployed to Camp Vayama, Sattahip, Thailand. Upon his return to the United States he was assigned to the 522 Ord Company (AMMO) DS/GS at Redstone Arsenal Alabama. After a brief assignment with the 522 Ord Co, he was assigned duties in Viet Nam. After completing his assignment in Viet Nam with the 191st Ord Bn (AMMO) (DS\GS), he returned to the United States and was assigned to Fort Carson and was appointed Division Ammunition Officer for the 51h Infantry Division and later for the 4th Infantry Division. The position of a Division Ammunition Officer is normally held by an 04 Major. He returned to Viet Nam and the 61 l Ord Co (Ammo) DS/GS. Following his assignment, he returned to Redstone Arsenal and was assigned to the Hazardous Devices Division until his retirement.

Frank’s military awards include: Bronze Star Medal w/one Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, Anny Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal w/four knots, National Defense Service Medal w/one Bronze Service Star, Korean Service Medal w/one Bronze Service Star, Vietnam Service Medal w/one Silver Service Star and four Bronze Service Stars, Korean Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/ Device 60, Republic of Korea War Service Medal, Republic of Korea Ambassador For Peace Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation, Senior Explosive Ordnance Disposal Badge, Expert Marksmanship Badge w/rifle and pistol bars, Sharpshooters Badge w/carbine bar and Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver W bar. Just an ordinary soldier doing his duty to the best of his ability.

Additional New York State awards are the Conspicuous Service Cross with two silver crosses and the Conspicuous Service Star.

In civilian life he pursued a career in the field of Safety and Security with Doyle Group, Harris Corporation RF Communications, and Farash Corporation. During this time he was also a Licensed Private Investigator, a Breeder of English Bulldogs and participated in Bulldog Rescue.

He was a member in numerous professional organizations, including the American Society for Industrial Security, National Classification Management Society, American Society of Safety Engineers, International Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association, International Association for the Study of Organized Crime, International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators, Industrial Fire Protection Section of the National Fire Protection Association, American Kennel Club, Bulldog Club of America, and the Associated Licensed Detectives of New York State.

He was a life member of the following professional organizations: Military Officers Association of America, US Army Ordnance Corps Association, Reserve Officers Association, Disabled American Veterans, Korean War Veterans Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Post 8495, American Veterans (AMVETS), Chapter 20 Vietnam Veterans of America, National Association for Uniformed Services, and American Legion.

During his membership in VFW Post 8495 he was active in the Post’s Honor Guard for many years and served as President of the Post Honor Guard for over six years and was a Board Member of the Perinton Overseas Veterans. He served as Post Commander of Braman Post 1229 American Legion for three terms.

Currently, he is a member of the National Explosive Ordnance Disposal Association and the International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators.

He was a soldier, he is a soldier, he will always be a soldier. A soldier for life.

Frank was a fun-loving man, described as determined to the point of being called a “bulldog.” Of course, it is meant in the most loving way his family explains the way he would immerse himself in his true passions in life.

He absolutely loved gardening. He would grow fresh strawberries, corn, and asparagus for all his family and friends, doing this brought him great joy. He was exceptional at his hobby of building koi ponds and taking care of his beautiful and lavish fountains. A true labor of love! It was his way of showing his love of nature and gardening. He took immense pride in landscaping and keeping up his yard. It was not a rare sight to see Frank riding on his beloved John Deere Mower all equipped with his “Franks Toy” seat cover.

Frank did not care for the Rochester winter and cold weather months always anticipating the spring/summer when he would bring out his grill, he really enjoyed cooking both outside and inside the kitchen. Frank had a knack for cooking, it always amazed his family that he never followed a recipe. Everything he created to eat was always made with love. There were a few dishes that he was famous for that the family will notably miss: specialties like pierogies, homemade stuffed cabbage, kiffles, and steaks and potatoes on the grill.

Frank enjoyed his music as well; the sounds of Polka and Czechoslovakian would flood the house.

When reflecting on his life he was the most generous and loving family man and husband. He was so loving and caring, especially to his wife Sheila, he was her protector and always will be. He was a one-of-a-kind man and will never be forgotten.