Joseph Balshone Obituary (1956 - 2008) - Charlottesville, Virginia

Joe Balshone, 51, a native Bexley, Ohio resident, died earlier this month in Charlottesville, Virginia, of natural causes. Born Joseph Garth Balshone on November 18, 1956, Joe was the son of Benjamin Balshone,a Columbus businessman, author and owner of the former Lynn Drug Co., who died in 1991. His Mother, Miriam “Mimi” Balshone, died in 1973. Joe attended the Columbus Academy and was a graduate of the Winchendon School, in Winchendon, MA. He attended the University of Cincinnati and recently obtained a Master’s degree from Capella University where he was preparing to write a PhD dissertation at the time of his death. He was also a certified gemologist having studied at the Gem Institute of America in California. Besides his parents, Joe was preceded in death by a brother, Gary Lee Balshone, who died in 1941. Joe is survived by sisters Lynn B. Jacobs (Frank D), of Toledo, Ohio and Cathy B. Becze (William) of Sudbury MA.; nephews David Jacobs of Reno, Nev. and Bruce Jacobs of Dallas, TX; nieces M. Joy Jacobs-Pilipski of San Diego ,CA, and Mia Sylvia Becze of Sudbury; Aunt, Ruth Rosenthal, of Columbus, Uncle Bert Rosenthal, Palm Harbor, FL., four cousins, Brent and Lee Rosenthal of Columbus, Mark Rosenthal of Atlanta,GA. and Howard Rosenthal, of Safety Harbor, FL.as well as five grand nephews, Noah, Grant and Parker Jacobs of Dallas and Yarden and Aviv Pilipski of San Diego. Joe was truly a “gentle giant”—big in stature and equally big of heart to all of his family who will miss him greatly. Graveside services , arranged by Epstein Memorial Chapel, took place at the new Agudas Achim Cemetery on Progressive Pkwy, Columbus on March 26, 2008. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Ronald McDonald House, 555 Childrens Drive West, Columbus, Ohio 43205.