IN MEMORIAM: Wayne J. Balnis Sr., 76;

‘Mayor of Gilbert Street’ Worked For City

ONEONTA – Wayne J. Balnis, Sr., 76, “The Mayor of Gilbert Street,” passed away at home unexpectedly on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016.

He was born Jan. 22, 1940, in Oneonta, the son of Joseph and Florence (Dutcher) Balnis. Wayne married Patricia A. “Patsy” Weitzel on Oct. 29, 1960, in Oneonta. She predeceased him on Feb. 6, 2011.

Wayne worked for the City of Oneonta’s Department of Public Works for 34 years, working his way to becoming a working supervisor.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, visiting casinos, listening to his granddaughter Caryn sing, and sitting on his front porch as “Mayor of Gilbert Street.”

He is survived by his children, Wayne Jr. and Carla Balnis of Oneonta, Sherry and Brian Pidgeon of Oneonta, and Laurie and Stephen Page of Maryland; grandchildren Joseph and Caryn Balnis; sister Barbara and Dewey Rogers; brother-in-law Sam and Joyce Weitzel; sister-in-law Mary and Dan Tranvaag; several nieces and nephews; special friends Rick and Mary; and his beloved dog, BV.

He was predeceased by his parents.

Calling hours will be 5-7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 7, at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta.

A memorial service will be 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 8, at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, with the Rev. Teressa Sivers, officiating.

Online condolences may be sent to, www.lhpfuneralhome.com