Obituary of Joseph Balzano

Funeral Information for Joseph A Balzano Home: Woodbury, NJ Birthdate: November 9, 1933 Place of Birth: Camden, NJ Date of Death: October 19, 2011 Age: 77 Service Information: Tuesday October 25, 2011 11:00 AM Sacred Heart - Camden, Broadway & Ferry Ave,Camden,NJ Visitation Information: Monday October 24, 2011 from 11 AM until 11 AM on October 25, 2011 Sacred Heart - Camden, Broadway & Ferry Ave, Camden,NJ Interment Information: Calvary Cemetery, Cherry Hill,NJ Biography: Joseph A Balzano Jr. AGE: 77 • Woodbury On October 19, 2011.  Born in Camden, NJ to the late Joseph and Anna Balzano. Beloved husband of Donna L. (nee Olsen); Devoted father of Karen (Nick) Salerno and Joseph W. Balzano, and stepfather of Rachael Abbatelli, Audrey Hubbard, Joseph Hubbard, Tess Pinto, Jude Hubbard and Rebecca Olsen; Loving grandfather of Kaden and Nicholas and godfather of Gillian Balzano; Dear brother of Gus (Joann), Jerry (Veronica), Lucille (Gus) Wilhelm, Frank (Michelle) Balzano and the late John and Anthony ; Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, godchildren and friends. Joseph Balzano began his career at the Port of Camden in 1951 as an office clerk and equipment operator and in 1989 was appointed as the South Jersey Port Corporation's Executive Director and Chief Executive Director for the South Jersey Port Corporation.  For over five decades, Joe has been a major force in the City of Camden spearheading port expansion and economic development coupled with his untiring philanthropy for Camden's less fortunate residents in a city he was born and raised.  He was an active and dedicated member of Sacred Heart Church in Camden, known and remembered for his yearly Christmas tree and countless other generosities.    Joe has received countless awards and recognition for his legendary port operations expertise and his contributions to the community at large and he is a member of many civic and professional organizations.  The New York Times called Joe, "…one of the best port operators in the world."  Relatives and friends are invited to the Visitation and Funeral on Monday beginning at 11 AM at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Broadway and Ferry Avenues in Camden.  The family will recieve visitors on Monday from 4 to 6 PM and 7 to 9 PM, and again Tuesday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 AM.  The church will remain open for viewing from 11 AM Monday until the Mass of Christian Burial, which will begin at 11 AM on Tuesday.  Entombment services will follow at Calvary Mausoleum in Cherry Hill, NJ. The family requests memorial donations be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 555 North Lane,    Conshochocken, PA 19428, or sponsor the education of a child through Sacred Heart Church, Attn: Gail Gooney, 1739 Ferry Avenue, Camden, New Jersey 08104.