Obituary of Peter Ballo

Peter Ballo May 1 1931 - January 7 2020, age 88. Beloved husband of Helen for 65 years. Dear father of Brian, Robert, Judi (Pat) Hernandez, and Lisa. Loving grandfather of Brendon, Nastasia, Alexander, Garrett (Shelby), Reagan (Chloe), and Clarissa. Dear brother of Ethel (the late Donald) Kowalski. Preceded in death by siblings Joseph, Martha (Walter) Horschman, Esther (Patrick) Nielson, Kay Regan, Frank, John, Helen (Evans) Botteas, and James. Also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends. Peter was born and grew up in Detroit, parents Joseph and Ethel Ballo, and was the eighth of ten children. He attended Cass Technical High School and served in the US Navy during the Korean War. Peter attended Meinzinger Art School and the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit and received a B.A. in Art Education from Wayne State University. He had a long career employed by The Detroit News as an Art Director in the Marketing Department. He had the fun experience of being a photo model in numerous newspaper advertisements. In his retirement he inspired creativity by teaching art in Warren Consolidated Schools and also in adult art classes. In addition to his commercial artwork, Peter was exceptionally talented at drawing and painting and filled his leisure time pursuing various art forms. He had an art studio in downtown Detroit and shared his work in numerous venues. He loved to travel and always carried a sketchbook to capture the beauty he experienced. Peter had a great appreciation of nature and staying physically active. He and Helen met skiing and sparked that passion with their children. He also enjoyed swimming, skating, biking, tennis, golf and sailing at the cottage on Lake Huron. Peter actively participated in his faith and it was often expressed through his kindness and curiosity for people from all walks of life. He participated in the Cursillo Movement, Apostleship of the Sea, and was active in prison ministry. He mentored and befriended individuals in his church community. Peter got to know most people that crossed his path and he was sure to bring a smile to your face with a joke, wink or kind thought. His light-hearted, open nature will be cherished. Peter truly was a kind soul, his art touched many and will continue to live on. One of his treasured sayings was "Aspire to Inspire before you Expire". His life was a masterpiece of connection woven together by his love for God, Helen, his entire family and many beloved friends. There will be a Memorial Mass in celebration of Peters life on Saturday, January 18th, 11 AM at St. Marks Catholic Church, 4401 Bart Avenue, Warren; visitation at church begins at 10:30 AM. Celebration luncheon to follow. As a Navy veteran, Peter will be laid to rest with military honors at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI. In honor of Peter and in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes are deeply appreciated and may be made to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen or a charity of your choice.