Robert M. Balog

     Robert M. Balog, beloved husband, and grandfather and longtime resident of San Marcos, California, died May 16, 2022, from complications related to a fall.

     “Bob” was born February 16, 1942, in East Chicago, Indiana. After graduating from George Rogers Clark High School, he served in the Vietnam War. During this time he was wounded in action, exposed to Agent Orange, and received an honorable discharge. Due to the exposure, Bob battled cancer and other health issues throughout his lifetime. After his valiant military service, he completed his university studies at St. Joseph’s College in Indiana.  After which, he moved out to California and worked for several years in interiors before achieving his real estate license and serving as a local agent.

     He was a lifelong fan of baseball and an avid baseball card collector. While he always enjoyed a San Diego Padre game, he was an ardent fan of the Chicago Cubs. He was also a philatelist with a large and diverse collection and often liked to share a story or two about his favorites.

     As an active member in his church and the Knights of Columbus, he took pride in serving as the “Head of Recycling” in order to raise money for the Special Olympics. In 2018 he was installed as Sir Robert Balog, a 4th degree Knight, for raising thousands of dollars for both The Arc and Tootsie Roll Drive charitable endeavors, benefitting children with disabilities. Three times per day he would collect bottles and cans from local organizations. He enjoyed a good bridge game, a hearty laugh, a quiet moment in the garden, and traveling the world with his wife.

     He met his wife, Katherine Balog, nee Gleason, nearly 25 years ago at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church. He is survived by her and his many grandchildren, Van, Valerie, Ben, Noah, Connor, Eden, and Paxton who have fond memories of talking about baseball, stamps, and going fishing with “Grandpa Bob”.

     He is preceded in death by his parents John and Anna Balog, his brother John Balog, and his sister Carol-Ann Balog.

Services will be held at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Carlsbad, California on May 29 at 11 a.m.

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