Berlin – Arthur (Artie, Brother, Lefty) J. Ballard, 83, of Berlin, died peacefully, surrounded by family, Saturday, April 2, 2016.
Born in Marlborough, he was the son of the late Arthur and Marion (Taylor) Ballard and the husband of the late Claire L. (Wilson) Ballard, to whom he had been married for 51 years before her death in 2015. He was also predeceased by his sisters, Shirley Seymour and Marion Randall.
Arthur is survived by his sons, Stephen J. Ballard and his wife Claudine and Matthew D. Ballard and his wife Lisa. He was the proud grandfather of Stephen, Meghan, Brian, Sean, Anna and Sam Ballard, and great-grandfather of Joslyn and Taylor Ballard. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.
Arthur was a longtime parishioner at St. Joseph the Good Provider in Berlin. He retired from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Metropolitan District Commission after 28 years of dedicated service as a laborer. He had also been employed at Marlborough Hospital and Dennison/Design Pak in Marlborough for many years. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving in Korea.
He was a devoted husband, loving father, uncle and friend to many. Known for his kindness, friendliness, humility and contagious smile, Arthur was always there for the people he loved and touched during his lifetime. He loved to tell people how proud he was of his boys, but they are even more proud of him.
He was an avid sports fan with a passion for baseball. He loved to play pitch with his family, dance, and listen to Big Band music, which in his words was “better than the music today.” He was a Third Degree, Honorary Life Member of the Knights of Columbus.
Arthur loved coaching his sons in Little League. He also loved going to sporting events to watch his sons, grandchildren, and friends, and was always one of the proudest supporters.
Visiting hours will be held Friday, April 8, from 4-7 p.m., at the Slattery Funeral Home, 40 Peasant St., Marlborough. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, April 9, at 10 a.m., at St. Joseph the Good Provider, 52 West St., Berlin. Burial will follow at Maplewood Cemetery, Pleasant Street, Marlborough.
