Obituary of Sewell M. Balch Jr.

Sewell M. Balch, Jr., 90, of Syracuse passed peacefully in his sleep on Sunday. His love, generosity, strength, wisdom, compassion, and unwavering friendship will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Sewell was born in Cohoes, NY on October 6, 1934 as a 12th generation American and was a lifetime resident of Syracuse. He graduated from East Syracuse High School.

Sewell dedicated his entire career to  Marine Midland Bank, beginning right out of high school as a messenger boy. His hard work ethic and natural leadership propelled him to advance his career well beyond that of a high school graduate. Sewell was known for solving complex bank issues and often spent time on the weekends there. His exceptional career culminated in his role as Senior Vice President of Bank Operations, where he oversaw a team of 300 personnel.

Sewell, better known to many as ‘Soupy’ or ‘Sam,’ was a natural athlete. He actively participated in league baseball, softball, basketball, and bowling- and even continued playing softball well into his later years, including over 65 and over 70 leagues.  He also enjoyed playing a good game of horseshoes with his father and brothers. A true Syracuse sports fanatic, Soupy proudly served as an usher at Syracuse University games in his retirement years.

Above all, Sewell was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend whose presence enriched the lives of everyone who knew him. His legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all his loved ones. Sewell’s family wishes to extend a special note of thanks and sincere appreciation to the skilled staff at The Nottingham for the care and compassion shown while he resided there.

Sewell is predeceased by his cherished wife, Eleanor R. (Miceli) Balch; his daughters Patricia (Balch) Liepke and Kathleen (Balch) Halko; his son-in-law John Halko; his father and mother, Sewell and MaryAnn Balch; his sister, Judy (Balch) Hatch; his brother Robert Balch; and his granddaughter Kristen Napiorkowski.                                                                                                                                                                                                               
 He is survived by his three sons, Michael (Marilou) Balch, Thomas (Laurie) Balch, and Andrew (Dan Woytowicz) Balch; his sisters Barbara (Balch) Quirk and Karen Balch; his brother Lewis Balch; his grandchildren Matthew (Sarah Mahaney) Balch, Ann Marie (Balch) Staie, Kara (Dana) Salce, Joshua (Katie) Liepke, Nanette (John) Waialae, Nathan (Phoebe) Gaspar and Joshua Halko; and 17 great -grand grandchildren.  He is also survived by many nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces, and lifelong friends.

May his soul rest peacefully beside his beloved wife in heaven.

Calling hours will be 4-7pm Thursday, June 19 at Tindall Funeral Home, 1921 W. Genesee St., Syracuse.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10am Friday, June 20 at Church of the Most Holy Rosary, 111 Roberts Ave., Syracuse. Burial will follow in Valley Cemetery, 2500 Valley Drive, Nedrow.