Barry Christopher Balonek

Barry Christopher Balonek passed away March 29, 2026 at the age of 78. Predeceased by his parents, Felix and Elizabeth Balonek; sister, Diane Meacham; and infant brother, Lewis. Survived by his wife of 56 years, Deborah Sue (Susie Curry) Balonek; daughter, Jennifer (Graydon) VanRy; sons, Christopher, Benjamin (Corenna), and Alexander (Catherine); grandchildren, Georgia, Henry, Josephine, Jackson, Lola, and Ashlyn; sister, Sandra Steinle; brothers, David Balonek and Mark (Audrey) Balonek; sister-in-law, Sandra (Peter) Nilsson; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Barry was born in 1947 and raised in Rochester, NY. After graduating from Aquinas Institute, Barry earned his bachelor’s degree in history at Colgate University in 1969. One week later, Barry married Deborah Sue Curry in Danville, PA, and together they spent a year as VISTA volunteers. Barry went on to earn his M.S. in Education from Syracuse University in 1971, and taught history for a year in the Rochester area. He then decided to pursue his interest in law, earning a J.D. Law degree from the University of Toledo Law School. He was admitted to the Florida and New York Bar Associations. Barry and Susie then moved back to Rochester, where he worked as an associate at law firms and taught evening law courses at MCC. In 1983, Barry took a job at Monroe Abstract & Title Corp. (now Stewart Title Insurance), retiring in 2018 as Vice President/Senior Underwriting Counsel. During his long career, Barry earned several awards and recognitions, including the NYS Land Title Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010. He also served as the president of the Title Insurance Rate Service Association and chair of the Monroe County Bar Association/Real Property Section. Barry loved jazz music and was a proud supporter and enthusiastic attendee of the Rochester International Jazz Festival. Barry and Susie enjoyed traveling, making many trips abroad as well as around the country to visit their family. Walking for hours along Pompano Beach, Florida, was one of his favorite ways to spend a vacation. Closer to home, Barry spent many happy days reading legal thrillers at their cottage on Conesus Lake and never missed a Ring of Fire. A devoted dad and grandpa, Barry logged countless hours at his kids’ and grandkids’ activities and sports. A celebration of life will be announced by the family at a later date. Memorials in Barry’s honor can be made to causes close to his heart, including Doctors Without Borders, Blood Cancer United, and the ASPCA.