Francis Ballak

Francis Ballak Sr., 80, of The Villages, FL (formerly Absecon, NJ) passed away on June 27, 2026. He was born in South Philly and after serving in the US Army, met his future wife Anne Dougherty during a trip to the Jersey shore. Together, they had settled in Absecon and raised their two children, Anne and Fran Jr. During those early years, he worked at the Navy Yard in Philadelphia, becoming a specialized mechanic on nuclear submarines. After many years, he shifted his career and began a long tenure at the Atlantic City Electric Company; first as a mechanic at the BL England power plant before being promoted into administration role. While working at the plant and raising a family, he continued his education while advancing into an administrative role within the company. Eventually, he oversaw facility operations all throughout South Jersey. Along the way, he formed many lasting friendships, remaining in close contact with many of those friends long into retirement. There are many great memories of the "family" picnics and the other events they all attended. Making BL England his second home. It was also during this time he learned to play golf.

While raising his family, Fran was heavily involved in all aspects of the community from coaching and assisting in many sports with ASAC. He was a part of many events at the Absecon Legion as a member of the VFW, the Atlantic City Inlet Social Club, and the Mays Landing Golf Association. While not the biggest, loudest, or most prominent person in the room, everyone in the room knew him and considered him to be a good man - one that they knew could trust as a friend. His quick smile and laughter would make those around him drawn to his genuine nature.

After retirement, Fran was able to convince Anne to move to Florida so that he could try to play golf year-round in the warmer weather. While they had several great years and many memorable times in Florida, unfortunately, Anne prematurely passed away from cancer. Her passing left him alone until he decided to gather the courage to begin a new relationship with a friend from South Jersey, Gloria Ford, who had also lost her husband. After their first date, the two of them became inseparable, finding a renewed spirit within each other that was built on companionship, comfort, and happiness. Through going on numerous trips, traveling the country for weeks at a time, and playing countless rounds of golf, they were able to make a beautiful life together.

Francis is survived by his children Anne Webb, Fran Ballak (Nicole); his grandchildren, Julianna, Alaina, Bella, Claudia, and Dean. His siblings Helen Regan (Ed), Paul Ballak (Kathleen), Mike Ballak (Betty), Phil Ballak (Bonnie), and Anna Ree Edwards (Ray), and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Family and friends are invited to attend his visitation on Saturday, July 25th, 2026, at 1:00pm at LeRoy P. Wooster Funeral Home & Crematory, 441 White Horse Pike, Atco, NJ 08004, with Services and Eulogies to follow at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made in Francis' memory to Tunnel of Towers Foundation.