William Balabanow

William H. Balabanow, of Brethren Village, Lititz, went home to be with his Lord on Sunday, September 13 th, 2026. He was the loving husband of Betty Ann Balabanow with whom he shared 72 years of marriage before her passing June 1, 2022.

He was born in Baltimore City, Maryland, the son of the late William V. Balabanow and Helen G. Morrow. He later moved to Lancaster. Bill left school early as the shadow of war was beginning to fall over the United States. When the attack on Pearl Harbor happened, Bill and many friends rushed to join up. He enlisted in the United States Merchant Marines and traveled on ships with military supplies, food and medical supplies for troops in France. After the war, he continued his career until 1979 as a Radio officer. After his retirement, he started several small businesses that kept him busy for many years. His last adventures were to Paris and Normandy for the 80th Anniversary of D-Day and to Belgium for a Battle of the Bulge tour as well as several trips to the WWII museum in New Orleans. He received the Congressional Gold Medal honoring WWII Merchant Mariners in May of 2022.

For many years, you could find Bill at air shows, veteran programs etc. telling the stories of Merchant Mariners. He loved to sit down and tell you all about his adventures and experiences.

Bill is survived by his Daughter, Linda Lee Harrison, 2 granddaughters, Tina Fellenbaum and Jody (Chris) Coder, great grandchildren, Kari Sweigart, Corey Harrison, Douglas Fellenbaum Jr., Johnny Fellenbaum, Joey Fellenbaum, Brandon Coder, Logan Coder and 3 great greatgrandchildren. sisters, Linda Lee (John) Davis of Willow Street and Anna (Albert) Unger of Lancaster.

Bill was preceded in death by granddaughter Sherry Kingsboro, sisters, Helen Harrison, Marguerita “Peggy” Root, and step sister Mary Ellen Goodhart.

The family would like to express gratitude and thanks to the Staff at Brethren Village Courtyards for their endless compassion, tireless dedication and care and the kind and supportive care from Hospice & Community Care.

Following his wishes, there will be no formal service, however, there will be a Life Celebration on October 3 , 2026 from 12:30 to 3:30 at the Wolfe Auditorium, located at the Welcome Center on the grounds of Brethren Village for family and friends that would like to visit and share a memory with the family.

Private interment will be at Conestoga Memorial Park in Lancaster at the convenience of the family.

For anyone wishing to honor Bill, memorial contributions may be sent to the American Merchant Marine Veterans, “AMMV” at P. O. Box 220052, Charlotte, NC 28222, or Hospice & Community Care, 685 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17604. Please list Bill’s name on the memo line.