Gabriel M. Ballas 1930-2025
NEWTON FALLS — Gabriel “Gabe” M. Ballas, 95, passed away peacefully into eternal rest, Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, at Country Club Rehabilitation Campus Nursing Home in Newton Falls.
He was born May 31, 1930, in Newton Falls, the son of the late Michael G. Ballas and Ethel Marie Farrar Ballas.
Gabe lived in Newton Falls all of his life and graduated from Newton Falls High School in the Class of 1948. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1953-1955. Gabe then married the love of his life, Evelyn J. Smith, on May 9, 1953, and they enjoyed 70 years of wonderful marriage together until her death on March 4, 2023.
He worked as a maintenance clerk at RMI Titanium in Niles for 56 years, retiring in 2020. Gabe previously worked at Equitable Life Insurance for 10 years.
Gabe was a faithful member of St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church for many years, along with American Legion Post 236 and the Western Reserve Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Evelyn; one sister, Gloria Uhlin; and one brother, Gerald Ballas.
Gabe is survived by two nephews, Michael and Julie Ballas of Newton Falls, and their children, Abbey, Jacob and Madeline; Kelly Smith and his son, Ryan, of San Diego, California; one niece, Ricia Ballas and Scott Davis, and their son, Griffin, of Dayton; and one sister-in-law, Joanne Ballas of Newton Falls.
Funeral services will be 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, at St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church, with the Rev. Fr. Zachary Coulter officiating.
A prayer service will be at noon Thursday at the James Funeral Home in Newton Falls, where calling hours will be 10 a.m. to noon.
Gabe will be laid to rest beside his wife, Evelyn, in St. Joseph Cemetery, Newton Falls.
The family has requested that all donations please be made to St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church or the food pantry at the church, 131 W. Quarry St., Newton Falls, OH 44444, in his memory.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the James Funeral Home, 8 E. Broad St., Newton Falls, OH 44444, 330-872-5440. Family and friends may view his obituary online or send condolences at www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com.
(special notice)