In Memory Of
A.J. Balakier
1945
2016
A.J. Balakier
August 26, 1945 — January 20, 2016
Arthur Joseph Balakier
August 26, 1945 - January 20, 2016
Arthur Joseph Balakier - aka A.J., "Stretch", or even Mr. B - left this physical world and took his talents to eternal life on January 20, 2016.
Originally hailing from Bridgeport, CT, A.J. blazed a raucous trail of fun, food and cigarette smoke across the country before he passed at the age of 70 in Denver, CO. His exploits in the Tucson desert during the 60s and 70s are still whispered about in bars and strip clubs and if you ever heard him tell a story, well, even the great Orson Welles and Ernest Hemingway would nod in approval (even though A.J. much preferred Carlos Castaneda and "Travis McGee" novels).
A.J. could describe the detailed nuances of a five-star meal from New York City or knock down five chili dogs at a street cart down the street all the same. He was equal parts renaissance man and rebel rouser. Hell, he even walked into a jazz club in the dead of winter in Minnesota wearing a yellow cardigan sweater with linen pants on and wound up playing saxophone with Otis Redding.
He was a consummate salesman, loved cars, the University of Arizona men's basketball program and had a mean right cross, and yet, this is not what defined A.J. Everything pales in comparison to his selflessness. He gave and gave often. Too much even. This is his legacy, instead.
A.J. is survived by his "nudnik" son, Jason (Maya Brewer) Balakier and kick ass brother, Thomas Balakier. He is preceded in death by his parents, the transcendent Benjamin and Olga Balakier and his eldest brother, the unmistakable Ronald Balakier.
For donations, A.J. would recommend you instead spend every dime on your child -as he did. And if you wish to send flowers, his family will hold a private, family only memorial service at Newcomer Funeral Home on 190 Potomac Street, Aurora, CO on Monday, January 25th.
Lastly, since A.J.'s friendships spanned the country, his family asks that you reach out to him one last time to share your thoughts, feelings and memories of the man you remember. Even if the stories aren't PG, he would appreciate it.
To share a memory of Arthur or leave a special condolence message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
August 26, 1945 - January 20, 2016
Arthur Joseph Balakier - aka A.J., "Stretch", or even Mr. B - left this physical world and took his talents to eternal life on January 20, 2016.
Originally hailing from Bridgeport, CT, A.J. blazed a raucous trail of fun, food and cigarette smoke across the country before he passed at the age of 70 in Denver, CO. His exploits in the Tucson desert during the 60s and 70s are still whispered about in bars and strip clubs and if you ever heard him tell a story, well, even the great Orson Welles and Ernest Hemingway would nod in approval (even though A.J. much preferred Carlos Castaneda and "Travis McGee" novels).
A.J. could describe the detailed nuances of a five-star meal from New York City or knock down five chili dogs at a street cart down the street all the same. He was equal parts renaissance man and rebel rouser. Hell, he even walked into a jazz club in the dead of winter in Minnesota wearing a yellow cardigan sweater with linen pants on and wound up playing saxophone with Otis Redding.
He was a consummate salesman, loved cars, the University of Arizona men's basketball program and had a mean right cross, and yet, this is not what defined A.J. Everything pales in comparison to his selflessness. He gave and gave often. Too much even. This is his legacy, instead.
A.J. is survived by his "nudnik" son, Jason (Maya Brewer) Balakier and kick ass brother, Thomas Balakier. He is preceded in death by his parents, the transcendent Benjamin and Olga Balakier and his eldest brother, the unmistakable Ronald Balakier.
For donations, A.J. would recommend you instead spend every dime on your child -as he did. And if you wish to send flowers, his family will hold a private, family only memorial service at Newcomer Funeral Home on 190 Potomac Street, Aurora, CO on Monday, January 25th.
Lastly, since A.J.'s friendships spanned the country, his family asks that you reach out to him one last time to share your thoughts, feelings and memories of the man you remember. Even if the stories aren't PG, he would appreciate it.
To share a memory of Arthur or leave a special condolence message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of A.J. Balakier, please visit our flower store.
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