Obituary of Howard L. Balmer

BALMER, Howard L. Age 92, died on December 7, 2015, at Beechtree Nursing Center in Ithaca. Howard was born in Jackson Summit, PA on Oct. 13, 1923; he grew up in Elmira and was a resident of Horseheads from 1954-2014. A son of Leman H. and Anna H. (Collum) Balmer, he was married to the late Vivian M. (Durfey) Balmer for 56 years. A 1941 graduate of Elmira Free Academy, he served from 1942-1945 in World War II as First Lieutenant in the Army Air Corps. He was a Navigator in the Pathfinder Squadron of the 9th Army Air Force in the European Theater, with decorations including the Air Medal and Purple Heart. A 1950 graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Mechanical Engineering), he worked at Westinghouse for 34 years primarily in the nuclear power field. He was an active member of Oakwood United Methodist Church in Elmira Heights for over 50 years, serving in many capacities and on numerous committees. He was also an active volunteer in many organizations including the Cub Scouts, Babe Ruth Baseball, Junior Achievement and the Literacy Program. Survivors: children, Rick Balmer (Ronald Seeds) of Vernon, CT, Stephen Balmer of Greenwich, NY, Lynn Cullen (James) of Rochester, NY and Matthew Balmer (Patricia) of Latham, NY; granddaughters, Caitlin (Valentin) Vollmer of Schuylerville NY, Abigail Balmer of Greenwich NY, Frances Cullen (Andrew Henderson) of Montreal, Quebec, Elizabeth Cullen (Andre Lewis) of Rochester NY, Alexandra Balmer of Buffalo NY, Rebecca Balmer and Emily Balmer of Latham NY; one great-grandson, Ruben Vollmer; sister, Joyce Collins Mikkelsen of Elmira, NY; nieces and nephew, Kathleen Collins Elston of Seattle, WA, Christopher Collins of Elmira, Barbara Ann Virgo of Fountain Valley, CA, and Vivian Lynn Bennett of Montpelier, IN; predeceased by brothers-in-law, James G. Collins, Jack Mikkelsen and Harry L. Durfey and his wife, Vivian. Services will be private with interment in Woodlawn National Cemetery. Donations to the Oakwood United Methodist Church, 210 Oakwood Ave., Elmira Heights, NY 14903. Condolences and remembrances at www.barberfuneralhome.com