47 Main Street
Mantua, NJ 08051
P: (856) 468-0670
E: smithfh@comcast.net
Manager Daniel N. Smith, NJ Lic #3263
Bom-Wrapper

The Memorial Candle Program has been designed to help offset the costs associated with the hosting this Tribute Website in perpetuity. Through the lighting of a memorial candle, your thoughtful gesture will be recorded in the Book of Memories and the proceeds will go directly towards helping ensure that the family and friends of Shahan Balian can continue to memorialize, re-visit, interact with each other and enhance this tribute for future generations.

Thank you.

Cancel
Select Candle

Obituary for Shahan Balian

Shahan Balian
Shahan "Doc" Balian age 94, of Mantua passed away on Thursday, March 24, 2016. Born and raised in Watertown, MA, he graduated from Watertown High School in 1940. Doc left his undergraduate studies in order to enlist in the US Coast Guard where he served in the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters of war with participation in the liberation of the Philippine Islands. He graduated from East Coast Aero Tech where he was certified and licensed as an Aviation Mechanic, Instructor and Pilot. Doc instructed at Hanscom Field, Lexington, MA prior to his employment with United Airlines starting at Washington DC and retiring from Philadelphia International Airport in 1987 after 36 years of service as mechanic, lead mechanic and foreman of aircraft line maintenance. He was a member of Holy Trinity Church of Wenonah, NJ where at various times he served as Warden and Member of the Vestry. Doc was a Member of the Mantua Township Municipal Utilities Authority. He was a substitute Instructor at the NJ Academy of Aviation in Millville, NJ., life member of East Gate Lodge #34 and former member of several Masonic bodies of Washington DC and Almas Shrine of Washington DC. A member of the Mantua Lodge #95 and Excelsior Consistory of Collingswood NJ. Member of Capital Airlines Assoc. & United Airlines Retiree Assoc.

Husband of the late Eleanor Alba Balian (nee Brignolo), survived by his son, Harry & his wife Elizabeth of Pittsgrove, NJ, his, daughter Jean Thomas & her husband Eric of Pittsburgh, PA, 4 grandchildren, Emily & Haley Thomas and Alexandria & Jennifer Balian, and his brother, John & his wife Lucy.

Family and Friends may visit from 6 to 8 PM Friday, April 1st, at Smith Funeral Home, 47 Main Street, Mantua, and from 10 to 10:45 AM Saturday, April 2nd, at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 11 N. Monroe Ave., Wenonah, where services will begin at 11 AM. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association Delaware Valley Chapter, 399 Market St., Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106 or to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 11 N. Monroe Ave, Wenonah, NJ 08090. Memories & condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com
Printable
Recently Shared Condolences
Recently Lit Memorial Candles
Recently Shared Stories
Recently Shared Photos
Share by: