Robert Balch

Robert Woodworth Balch passed away peacefully December 30, 2019 in Massachusetts at the age of 95.  "Bob" Balch was born in Faulkner Hospital in Jamaica Plain, MA. His family moved to Hingham, where he grew up, and worked on Hornstra Farm during high school. He graduated from Hingham High School and earned a BS from Northeastern University in Industrial Engineering.  Bob enlisted in World War II as a Private in the Army on Feb 23, 1943 in Boston, MA. He served for 3 years, in the European Theater of Operations with Patton's 3rd Army, 248th Engineer Combat Battalion. As part of the gun crew of the 50 caliber machine gun, he built bridges and supported the 80th Infantry Division. He assisted in building a bridge across the Moselle River allowing Infantry and supplies to cross and force the enemy to evacuate the vicinity.  Bob worked for Gulf Oil Co. as an engineer for 27 years, spending most of his time supervising the operation and modernization of service stations, bulk plants and terminals in 13 states located in northeastern US. Working with Gulf Oil, Bob and his family moved around, living in: Danvers, MA; Wilbraham, MA; Radnor, PA; Pasadena, MD. After retirement he moved back to his hometown Hingham, MA.

In 1952, Bob married Carol Jones at the Old Ship Church in Hingham. Bob enjoyed camping trips with his family, visiting extended family, being a Little League Coach and being a Boy Scout Leader.  In 1986, he was a “snowbird”, moving full-time to Japanese Gardens in Venice, Fl. He enjoyed bocci, the pool, cruises, clubhouse events, and local trips with Dorothy Moore. He moved back to Massachusetts in 2018 to be closer to family.  Bob is predeceased by his 1st wife Carol Jones Balch, 2nd wife Dorothy Moore, and sisters: Patricia Balch Hornstra and Alice Balch Welch. He leaves behind his sister: Betsey Balch Cole and four children with Carol Jones: Robin (Balch) Hodgkins, Thomas Balch, David Balch, Nancy Balch; and seven grandchildren. Per his wishes, there are no services, burial is private.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Balch House, of which he is a descendant, owned by Historic Beverly:

https://www.historicbeverly.net/donate/

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