WILMINGTON — We sadly announce the passing of Bernard David Balas on March 24, 2025, at the age of 85. He died peacefully at his home in Wilmington, NC, surrounded by family.
Bernie was born on June 14, 1939, in Wilkes-Barre, PA. As a child, he lived in Baltimore, MD, and Charlotte, NC, where he attended Charlotte Catholic High School and was a multisport athlete who particularly excelled on the football field. He attended UNC Chapel Hill, majoring in Economics and serving as social chairman of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. After graduation in 1961 he joined the US Navy as a communications officer and served his country for two years on the USS Shangri-La. He later earned an MS in Personnel Administration from UNC.
While living in Pound Ridge, NY, and Brussels, Belgium, he had a very successful career at General Foods until his retirement in 1991. He ultimately served as head of human resources at General Foods International. In retirement, he enjoyed life with family and friends at Landfall in Wilmington, NC, and South Bar on Harbour Island in the Bahamas.
Along with his beloved wife, Betsy, Bernie had three children: Liz, Laura, and Neil, and four grandchildren: Lauren, Miles, Gordie, and Sam. He cherished his family and is now reunited with Laura.
Bernie will be fondly remembered for many things, including his kind and generous nature, sharp wit, love of reading, tennis, and golf, abundant good friends, and his devotion to his family.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Therese Catholic Church in Wrightsville Beach on June 7th at 11:00am.
