Obituary of Carmen A. Balsama

Carmen A. Balsama, 95 years, recently of Delanco and Edgewater Park, NJ and currently residing in the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home in Menlo Park, NJ, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2024, after his recent decline in health. He was the youngest of a large family, born to Carmen and Celestina (Centuola) Balsama in Waterford, NJ and grew up in the South Jersey and Philadelphia areas, along with his siblings: Marie, Rosaria, Joseph, Albert, Rita, Mary, Anna and John (all deceased). Carmen was married on April 7, 1951, to Mary E. Ruediger (“Betty”) for 63 years, until she passed away on January 20, 2015. After having six children and raising them mostly in the Pennsauken, NJ and the Delanco, NJ areas, they later moved to Edgewater Park, NJ for their retirement. He proudly served in the United States Naval Reserves from 1948 to 1954, during which time he was called up to Active Duty in 1952 for 2 years and sent to the Korean War. He served on the USS Dyess (DDR880) as a Seaman in the engine room. His naval service earned him a National Defense Service Medal and a Navy Occupation Service Medal (Europe Clasp). After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Carmen worked for more than 30 years in various positions at the former U.S. Pipe & Foundry in Burlington, NJ until he retired there as an equipment welder. After retiring, Carmen and Betty went on cruises, took many trips around the country exploring the U.S. and went to Italy, which was a highlight of their lives. One of Carmen’s favorite activities for years was going to the casinos in Atlantic City and later casinos over the bridge in Pennsylvania and closer to home as he got older, always playing the slot machines. And lastly, the pleasure he really enjoyed in the last few years of his life was watching golf tournaments on TV every weekend. Who knew since he never played during his life or even mentioned his fascination with golf! Carmen is predeceased by his beloved wife Betty, his son David P., daughter Lisa A., his granddaughter Jennifer M. and his grandson Steven M. He is survived by his family: Michael and Denise (Walter) Balsama of The Villages, FL, Mark and Patricia (Clancey) Balsama of Old Bridge, NJ, Bruce and Debra (Emanuel) Balsama of Fayetteville, TN, and Sharon Balsama of Browns Mills, NJ. Also, his grandchildren: Tina (Balsama) Lonkart of Bonita Springs, FL, Kristen (Balsama) Eckhardt of Hastings, NE, Kayli Balsama of Old Bridge, NJ, Devon Balsama of Huntsville, AL, and lastly his great-grandchildren: Susan Y. Balsama of Supply, NC and Malcolm, Fiona and Ewan Eckhardt of Hastings, NE. According to his wishes, Carmen will be cremated. Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, from 9:30 AM-10:30 AM at Jesus, The Good Shepherd Parish, St Joseph’s Church, 805 Warren St., Beverly, NJ followed by his Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM. Burial of his cremains will be private. The family respectfully requests in lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choosing. Arrangements are under the direction of Chadwick Memorial Home, Riverside, NJ.