Honoring Service: Veteran George S. Balf
Our reporting on local veterans is a collaboration with RyeVets.org to highlight those from Rye who have served our country across times of war and peace. There are over 2,100 veterans from the City of Rye. Learn more about how you can help research and write biographies of those that have served.
George S. Balf was born on December 14, 1922, in New York. His family resided at 21 Purchase Street in Rye. George’s family included his father, Theodore, his mother, Celia, his younger brother, Oliver, and their servant, Josephine Wosetowski.
Date of Birth: 12/14/1922
Died On: 3/7/1996 Last Residence: 40205 Louisville, Jefferson, Kentucky
Street Address: 21 Purchase Street
Service Number: 114225892
Branch of Service: U.S. Army-WWII
His father, Theodore, had a high school education and worked as a watchmaker at a local jewelry shop, while his mother, Celia, also had a high school education and was a homemaker.
George was a proud member of the Rye High School class of 1940. During his time in high school, he played a significant role in the Hitching post and also participated in the school band. He spent his free time around the tennis courts, where he served as the assistant manager of the tennis team.
After graduating from high school, George took some time off before being drafted into the U.S. Army in April 1943. He served his country for nearly three years during World War II and received an honorable discharge in January 1946.
In March 1950, George married Miss Nancy Sue Slyn, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George R. Slyn. The wedding ceremony, officiated by Rabbi J. J. Gittleman, took place in the Terrace Room of the Kentucky Hotel. Following the ceremony, a dinner and reception were held at the hotel. George and Nancy Sue settled in Kentucky, where they became owners of the old Family Clothing & Furniture Co. and members of Adath Jeshurun Congregation.
George S. Balf passed away on March 7, 1996, at Suburban Medical Center in Louisville, Kentucky, at the age of 73. At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife, Nancy Slyn Balf, his daughter, Cindy Balf, his son, Stephen Balf, his brother, Oliver Balf, and one grandchild. More on Balf.
