Wendell C. Ballard

Wendell C. Ballard, 89, of Southington died peacefully on Friday, July 27, 2012 at the Hospital of Central CT at Bradley Memorial. He had been the loving husband of Lee Pedersen Ballard for 19 years.

Born in Watertown, NY on January 19, 1923 to the late Frederick and Janette (McKay) Ballard, he had been a longtime Florida resident before moving to Southington with his wife Lee in 2002.

Wendell proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a member of the Radio Intelligence team stationed in the Pacific Theater during World War II. After the war, he settled in central Florida where he raised his family and worked as an accountant, first at Lewis Candy and Tobacco Co, and then at Martin Marietta Corporation, where he spent the remainder of his career. He retired in 1985 after 25 years of loyal service.

Wendell was a gentleman like no other and loved by all he met. He loved to bowl, play ping-pong, dance, fish and play cards and dominoes. He was always the life of the party and he will be remembered for his great sense of humor and quick wit. Wendell greeted everyone with a smile and treated everyone with kindness and respect.

In addition to his wife Lee, Wendell is survived by his three children and five step-children: Jerry Ballard and wife Judy of Apopka, FL, Nancy Doiron and husband Rick of Clermont, FL, Curtis Ballard of Ocoee, FL, Roseann Sanders of Northport, NY, Joseph Marino and wife Gloria of North Branford, CT, Nicholas Marino and wife Millie of Huntington, NY, Kathleen Duignan and husband David of Oceanside, NY and Paula O'Brien and husband Sean of Farmington, CT; sixteen grandchildren: Jerry Ballard Jr and wife Beverly, Rod and Chad Doiron, Stacey, Shannen and Savanna Ballard, Dawn Brendel, Bruce Sanders and wife Lisa, Jennifer Calvo and husband Steven, Michael Marino and wife Nina, Matthew Marino and wife Amy, Daniel Marino and wife Erika, Kerry and Kaitlin Duignan and Liam and Aidan O'Brien; eleven great-grandchildren: Zachary and Hannah Ballard, Lena Mendenhal, Tristyn and Thomas Brown, KC Ballard, Tyler, Jacob and Jordan Sanders, Luca Marino and Allison Rose Calvo; and one great-great-grandson Griffin Mendenhal. Wendell was predeceased by his parents and two brothers Donnie Ballard and Frederick Ballard Jr.

A memorial service with full military honors will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday August 4, 2012 at the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St. Plantsville. Calling hours will be held before the service from 10-11:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. For online condolences and directions please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com

FUNERAL SERVICES

A memorial service with full military honors will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday August 4, 2012 at the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St. Plantsville. Calling hours will be held before the service from 10-11:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.