George E. Baltich

George E. Baltich, 82, of Weirton, passed away Thursday, July 26, 2007 at the Ohio Valley Medical Center in Wheeling, WV. Born September 22, 1924 in Weirton, he was the son of the late Charles and Anna Roksandich Baltich. George was also preceded in death by his brother Pete. George was a loving and devoted husband, and father to his family. He was faithful to see his children raised in the Serbian church. He was a great encouragement to his children and believed in them. He not only had big hands, but he had a big heart. He had a great sense of humor and always saw the best in people. He was well liked by everyone who met him. He never had unkind word to say about anyone. George was an avid golfer and loved playing golf with his brothers and friends on Fridays and Tuesdays. George served in the US Navy during World War II aboard the USS Nassau aircraft carrier as a gunner. After his service to his country, he spent time in Jacksonville, Florida playing football for the navy. He was recruited by Notre Dame to play football and by the University of North Carolina and Duke to play basketball none of which he opted for. Instead he gave 44 years of service to Weirton Steel where he retired from. He worked as a Foreman in the Construction Department. He was a master carpenter and was gifted with his hands. He unselfishly gave of his time and talents to many but especially to the Serbian Church and Men’s Club. For many years he gave his Wednesdays in the summer to making barbeque chickens at the Serbian Picnic Grounds. He was a member of the Holy Resurrection Serbian Eastern Orthodox Church, Serbian Men’s Club; V.F.W. 2716; The Evert Maki American Legion Post 10; WSX 25-Year Club and the Serbian National Federation. Survivors include his wife Sarah “Sikey” (Lalich) Baltich of Weirton; daughters Lynn Baltich of Pittsburgh, PA and Dawn Baltich Noble and her husband Dr. William E. Noble of Valley Grove, WV; brothers Bronko of Lakeland, FL, Charles of San Bernadino, CA, Dan, Mitchell and John Baltich all of Weirton; sisters Nancy L. Baltich of Weirton and Jo Ann Thompson of Lakeland, FL. The family will receive friends Sunday 1-3 and 6-8 PM at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton where the funeral services will be conducted 10:30AM Monday. Reverend Father Steve Rocknage will officiate. Interment will be in the Serbian Cemetery, Weirton, with military graveside services conducted by the American Legion Post 10 and Weirton Honor Guard.. George’s last days were spent on the 4th floor of the Ohio Valley Medical Center. The family would like to thank all those who cared for him during that time. The staff and management of 4 West went above and beyond. They were full of compassion and fun and were the greatest bunch of caring professionals. Memorial contributions may be made to the Serbian Men’s Club or to the Weirton Christian Center. Share tributes with his family at www.grecohertnick.com