Leonard P. Ballas died July 11 2012 in Cincinnati, Ohio after a brave battle with cancer.  He was born January 28, 1931 in Brooklyn, NY, the son of the late Max and Esther Ballas.  After graduating with a degree in Animal Science from the Ohio State University in 1950, Len spent nearly 30 years in the family egg-products business learning from his father, Max.  He then spent 26 years teaching the business to his son, Craig, before retiring in June of 2011.  Len was proud of the company that he helped to build with its worldwide list of customers.  He was a respected leader and spokesman for the egg-products industry and he served as an officer in various industry organizations including the United Egg Association, Midwest Foods Association, and the Ohio Poultry Association.

Len married Janice Bamberger Ballas in Columbus, Ohio in June of 1953.  After moving to Zanesville, he and Jan raised three children before she passed away in 1984.  Len’s life-long friend, Neal Feldman, introduced him to Bea Levy, who became his wife in 1986.  Len and Bea spent 25 happy years together with all of their expanded family.

Len was a quiet and generous philanthropist.  Without any fanfare he contributed year after year to many local and regional organizations that included Bethesda and Good Samaritan Hospitals (now Genesis), Muskingum County Community Foundation, United Way, The Ohio State University, and many others.  Len shared his time by serving as an officer and board member for several local organizations that included Bethesda Hospital and Beth Abraham Synagogue.  Len was also dedicated to his community.  It was because of his efforts that two significant local employers, Economy Linen and Worthington Foods (now Kellogg’s), made the decision to build facilities in Zanesville.

Len was an honest and responsible employer, a devoted brother and friend, and a dedicated father.  In addition to his parents and first wife, Len endured the loss of his step-daughter Linda Levy.  He is survived by his wife, Bea Ballas, his sister, Nina (Harvey) Mintzer, and sister-in-law Phyllis (Don) Katz.  He will be sadly missed by his children, Dr. Steven (Allison) Ballas, Craig (Jody) Ballas, and Tracey (Todd) Schiff, along with Bea’s daughter Sheryl (Scott) Mattis.  Len’s legacy will be carried on by his grandchildren Sam (Nicole) Ballas, Rachael Ballas, Jason and Scott Ballas, Justin, Ethan, and Dylan Schiff, and Sydney and Danny Mattis.

In Zanesville, calling hours will be held on Thursday, July 12, 2012 at Bolin- Dierkes Funeral Home, 1271 Blue Ave. from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.  On Friday 13, 2012 the family will greet visitors at Beth Abraham Synagogue, 1740 Blue Ave. starting at 10:00 am.  A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am followed by burial at the Beth Abraham Cemetery.  In Cincinnati, family and friends will gather on Sunday 15, 2012 at 7:00 pm at the Mattis home.

In lieu of flowers, Len asked that you consider donations to the American Cancer Society, the Muskingum County Community Foundation, Genesis HealthCare System, the Jewish Federation, Genesis Hospice and Palliative Care or Hospice of Cincinnati, or a charity of your choice.

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