Obituary of Carmelo Ballon

Carmelo “Richard” Ballon, a waiter who served Presidents, Politicians, and celebrities passed away with his children at his bedside on Wednesday, July 23 at the Lahey Hospital and Medical Center. He was 91 years old. Richard was born in Croatia. After World War II and the spread of Communism, he immigrated to the United States. He lived in Arlington, Cambridge, and Belmont before settling in Burlington in 1955. He worked a waiter Statler Hilton which is now the Park Plaza Hotel for 12 years, the Sheraton at the Prudential Center for 12 years, and the Newton Marriot for 28 years. He had a distinguished appearance and eloquent mannerism which impressed all of his dinner guests. He served Pres. John F. Kennedy, President Dwight Eisenhower, countless list of politicians and celebrities visiting Boston. He even served Fidel Castro. He had endless stories about those he met during his long career. Richard was devoted to his family, here in the United States and in Croatia. He was the devoted husband of 62 years to his wife Tina. They were the perfect pair mirroring their interests and centering their being around each other. They were longtime square dance partners and members of the Red Hot Square. He had a love of nature most especially birds and plants both which graced his home. Richard was very fortunate to live in a neighborhood filled with many caring neighbors. Richard was a loving husband and father who will be remembered for his devotion to his family. Richard was the beloved husband of the late Leontine “Tina” (Pitta). He was the loving father of Jackie Maida & her companion Wayne Rucker of Cambridge, Dianne Ballon of Portland, ME and Richard Ballon of Amherst, MA. &quote;Adopted&quote; father of Patty (Peitzsch) Sasso & her husband James of Tewksbury. Brother of the late Mary Sucich, Ivan and Edward Ballon. Richard was loved by many family and friends. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Saturday, July 26 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Malachy Church, 99 Bedford St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Friday 5-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorials in Richard’s name may be made to The National Kidney Foundation, 85 Astor Ave., #2, Norwood, MA 02062