Art Balanon of Phoenix AZ passed away on December 3, 2020 at the age of 55. He is survived by his wife Sally, and three children, Joaquin, Nicholas, Marisa and grandson Kai. He is also survived by his mother, Josefina Balanon, brothers Danny Balanon (Yolanda), George Balanon (Cindy), Frank Balanon (Hilary), Mark Owensby, sister Patsy Castillo (Ivan) and ten nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Danny Balanon. Art is also survived by his many family members at the U.S. Post Office, the Arizona Air National Guard and his Air Force brothers and sisters that watched his back for many years.
Art attended Saint Mary’s Catholic High School and graduated from South Mountain High School in Phoenix, AZ. Immediately after graduation he joined the Air Force serving for four years. After being honorably discharged, he joined the Arizona Air National Guard aka “Arizona Copperheads”. As a member of the Air National Guard, Art was deployed as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, and countless other missions after that. He proudly served his country for 32 years attaining the rank of Master Sergeant, and officially retiring in 2015.
He found a new family and 2nd career at the U.S. Post Office. He had many friends and softball buddies that will also feel the gap in their lives that only Art and his big heart could fill. Art was the constant rock in so many lives, always there to lean on, silent but a very strong presence. So many of us have drawn on his strength to get us through difficult times. His true love was for his wife, children, grandson, and family. He would have done anything for them.
A Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 10, 2020, beginning at 10:00AM and a Rosary and Scripture Service at 11:00AM at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School, Phoenix. Due to COVID restrictions, the attendees will be limited to 50 people and face masks are required. The Rosary and Scripture Service will be live streamed starting at 11AM at https://www.facebook.com/WhitneyMurphyFH/live/.
Burial will be at the National Memorial Cemetery of AZ 23029 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix at 1PM. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Art Balanon’s memory can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate .
Ernie and Lorraine Gloria
A sudden loss hurts the heart like no other. To Art’s family, we send our love , prayers, and condolences. Our families went to school together with the Balanon’s. Even though the years pass, we are still all family. May God bless you all with peace knowing Art is in our Blessed Mother’s arm.
Tommy Navarro
The Navarro Family would like to offer its most heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy to members of the Balanon Family. We are saddened, but also hopeful that you might find warmth and comfort in knowing that we are thinking of you and praying for you.
Celaya Family
Sincere condolences to the Balanon family, may he rest in peace.
Joseph Romero and Family
Our hearts go out to Balanon Family in these unexpected times. I have known Art and his family for most of my life. Spent alot of time with Art during two years of high-school going to Y and battling it out on the wrestling mat every week. I have good memories of those days and that is how I will remember Art. Mrs. Balanon, George, Danny, Frank and Patsy and all of Art’s family my deepest sympathy for your loss, for our loss.
Nelly Encinas-Ruiz
I still can’t believe he is gone. My condolences to all of the family . Sally I’m so so sorry.
Pollia J Colebrook
Some people come into our lives as lessons and some people come into our lives as blessings. Art was a blessing to all who knew him, my heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family and all those who are feeling this painful loss! His memory will remain dear to our hearts.
Laurie Bishop
To the Balanon family my deepest condolences are sent to you. I have the best memories of Art from our St Mary’s days. He had the biggest heart and the best smile. May you hold all of your memories of Art close in your heart to help ease this devastating loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Stephanie Ulen
My he rest in peace
Are thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Love,
The Ulen’s
JayDeloria Kirk
My sincere Heartfelt Condolences to The Balanon Family.Rest in Heaven.MyFRIEND!!!!
James Morey
Very sorry to hear of your loss. Thoughts and prayers for your family!!!
Karen and Brian Combs
We are so sorry for the loss of Art for your whole family. I know this is a difficult time. You are all in our thoughts. Love, Karen & Brian
Claire Zimmerman
Art was always incredibly kind and generous towards me when I roomed with his daughter Marisa freshman year of college. Whenever he was in town and my parents were not, he made sure I felt welcome with his family. All my love to Marisa and the rest of his family.
Debra Lopez
My condolences the Balanon family. We will be unable to attend, however, know that we will have you all in our prayers.
Ron Silva
To the Balanon Family, my love and deepest condolences on the passing ofArt. He was a dear friend and coworker at the Arizona Air National Guard. Art was a stellar Senior Non-Commissioned Officer. He was always ready to help, always had a smile and was a mentor to younger airmen
Rest in Peace Art. Until we meet again…
JayDeloria Ritts
Prayers for strength go to the family
He was a good friend
Nancy SantaCruz and daughter's Ariel, Makayla, and Nicole and Arcadio
I’m so sorry for your lost may God bless you and your family in your time of need.We love you guys!
Maria Sheldon
Nicholas, all our thoughts and prayers are with you. May Heavenly Father keep you and your family close. We love you Mio.
Hilary Cuevas-Balanon
Dear Art,
I will always remember your kindness, your laugh, your golden heart, and everything about you. I love you like my own brother, and my heart is broken. May you rest peacefully in love. The world has lost a wonderful man. Until we meet again in paradise. With Love, Hilary
Oscar and Rita Adame
Condolences mija to you and family. He will always be remembered as a loving husband and father. Prayers of comfort during this devastating sad time. Love you cuz, Oscar and Rita Adame
Alesia G Kambouris
My condolences to the Balanon Family may your hearts be embraced with Gods Grace and Love in this time of loss and sadness . Rest in peace Art .
Rebecca Martinez
Arthur Balanon.
His name and memory brings a smile through the tears.
Thank you to the Balanon families for sharing the gift of his life here with all of us. A life of love and service.
May happy memories and God’s love and strength comfort you all,and renew our faith that Arthur is safely home.
SEMPER FI Arthur.
Armando/Antonia Saenz
May “God”, Love, and Peace surround you all, Words cannot even begin to express our sorrow. You’re all in our thoughts and prayers, please know that we love you and are here for you. ART will never be forgotten, the ones we love are never gone; they live within our hearts. Love you Sally, BJ, Marissa & Nick.
Jessica Destiny Ruiz
You were an amazing person. You will truly be missed and never forgotten. We love you Art. Rest In Paradise.
Jessica and Destiny ❤️.
Andrea Pagan
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Art was a great person. His smile would light up a room and he had a huge heart.
Tiny Gonzalez
Tia josie im so sorry for your lost. I love u and miss u. Plz call me. Tiny
Michelle Contreras
Dear Balanon Family,
Words fail to describe my sorrow for all of you at the loss of Art. I cannot imagine your devastation and my heart aches for you. I am deeply sorry that your time with him was too short but so happy that your moments and memories of him were so meaningful and sweet. I will always remember Art’s smile, his discipline, his giving nature and the deep love he had for his family.
May God bless and surround each of you with His grace and the comfort and peace that only He can provide. I pray that your memories of Art and the man he was will give you the courage to face the days ahead and sustain you until you see him again.
I share in your sorrow and send my deepest sympathy,
Michelle (Salem) Contreras
Rick Urias
Sending our condolences to the entire family.
Gilbert & Ruby Ruiz
Sally and family. Our sincerely condolences for your loss. May God help heal your pain and grant you comfort In this time of sorry.
Shaun Bennison
The Garden Lakes Family offers their deepest condolences. Marisa has only been a part of our family for a short time, but she has already made a huge impact in our community. We know that many of the great characteristics she has was impressed upon her by Art. Art’s legacy will live on through Marisa as she serves future generations in the realm of education. Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole Balanon family!
Josette & Joey
Those we hold closest to our hearts never truly leave us. They live on in the kindness they have shared and the love they brought into our lives. Our Condolences.
Theresa (Rodriguez), Andrew & Arielle Losada
My condolences to the Balanon family whom I have known forever. My love and prayers to Josie, the boys, and Patsy. Art now rests in peace in the arms of Our Lord. He will be missed.
William A Freels
Art was the finest human being I ever worked with and I grew to admire and respect him for his character and humanity. My very deepest sympathy and love to his immediate family, to his Air Force family and to our Postal family. We were so lucky to have known him. To his family I say thank you for sharing him with us, we are all much better human beings to have known Art. Covid is serious, people, it is evil and shows no mercy. We must take care of each other and do what the doctors and scientists tell us to do. All of God’s blessings on Art’s family. All of God’s blessings on Art’s Air Force family and to our Postal family. Due to my own autoimmune issues I cannot be there today, but My heart is with you all.
JACKIE GARCIA
Our Condolences to Balaon Family. Josie and Danny
May God Keep You All Safe In His Hands. So sorry for your lose.
Jackie and Garcia Family.
Rea Lopez
My thoughts and prayers are with you today. Art was a special person that gave unconditionally . His heart was full of love for his family and would do anything for them. He will be missed by so many. Even though he was called home way to early he will always find a way to look over you.
Mark and Betty Tovar and Family
My sincere condolences and prayers go out to the entire Balanon family. I am sorry I could not be there at today’s memorial services. A sudden and tragic loss leaves us to sometimes question our faith, but I believe Art has left a wonderful legacy which will be remembered for generations. Art has served his God, Family, Friends, and Country in his precious time with us. He leaves us now at God’s calling, and we will all miss him and his presence. When the sad times come, please try and remember all he was to you and how much he impacted the way you will live your lives in the future. You will see him in your thoughts and dreams forever. Please know someday you will see him again. God bless you all.
Art, although we did not see each other as often as I would have liked to, please know you will always be my Friend. I will always remember the times “at the table” at SMHS, and the good times and laughs we had there. I will always remember your smile, your level of cool, and that sense of humor which seemed to make everybody else feel happy. I appreciate all you stood for, and the manner in which you served others before yourself. I will raise a glass in salute to you soon Artie, and I know I will see you again someday. Rest in Peace Amigo.
Mark
Barbara and Nick Rodriguez and Family
Our hearts are broken and the pain is deep for the loss of Art. The Balanons are our family, have been for most of our lives and theirs. Art was a true hero. His service to his country, a beloved father, grandfather, husband, brother, uncle and most of all a son, is a testament to his family values, love and support that is inherent in the Balanon Family. His smile and good nature will be forever remembered. Our comfort is that he is now with our Lord (and Nino Lee) who await him with open arms. We send our love, prayers and support to Josie, Danny, George, Frankie and Patsy and the rest of the Balanon Family.
Diana & Mike Esparza
Mike and Diana Esparza (Danny Balanon’s brother and sister in law) offer our deepest condolences and comforting blessings to the Balanon family. Rest in peace and glory, Art. Thank you so much for your service.
Sandra Trujillo-Cota
Dearest Balanon Family, our sincerest and heartfelt condolences are with all of you. You & the memory of Art remain bright in our hearts. The smile that so many speak of says it all about our brother, Art. Can’t help remembering all our school days at St. Catherine’s & remembering the carpool days with Danny Sr. & our mother (Bernice Trujillo). We know that he is being embraced into the loving arms of our Heavenly Father and Mother Mary. May the faith that we have grown to count on offer all of you peace in your days ahead.
All of our love and continued prayers, The Trujillo Family ( Ruben Sr, Ruben Jr, Michael, Sandra, & Deanna).
Henry Cummings
Deepest prayers and all my love. He was taken far too early, and was a good man a good man who will be missed by many. Thinking of you all.
Laurie Velasquez
I worked with with Art for several years, and even though it’s been many years since then, I have always thought of him as the strongest, kindest and most honorable man I’ve ever known. I’m so very sorry for your loss.
Danny and Jen Cabinatan
We are so sorry for the loss of Art. We pray for the Balanon family, his military family and his post office family. We are a part of his Guard family and he was a good friend to both of us. We will smile when we listen to “Art’s music” Danny and Jen Cabinatan
Rick Bloomquist
I’ve known Art since I started the Post Office, almost 26 years ago. As they say, Art is just good people. I’m going to miss his ever present smile and our conversations. My heartfelt condolences to everyone he has touched, especially, his wife, kids and family.
Gage A Underhill
To the Balanon Family,
I served with Art since the Security Police days.. Art was a rock and true brother to all he served with. Always with good natured humor, mentorship, and the voice of calm. He will be dearly missed on this earth . The gates of heaven are now that much more secured with Art on overwatch.
Jody Daniels
Always the gentleman, Art was one of the kindest individuals I’ve ever known. He was always calm but knew his business, an exemplary US Air Force Airman who always lived up to the code. I’ll always remember the days working together over 30 years ago, talking sports & music while on the aircraft ramp at the 161st. We would talk of keeping in shape…many things he taught me about physical conditioning from his wrestling days that are still meaningful to me today.
My heartfelt condolences to the family…Art will be missed.
Jody Daniels
Oceano, CA
Lorraine Nuanez
To the Balanon family, May God give you comfort during this difficult time. Art was an amazing person, he was kind, a good guy, and would help in any way. May you RIP fellow knight.
Once a Knight always a Knight.
Tim Salem
Rest In Peace, My Dear Old Friend! May God’s Grace Shine upon You, My Brother!