Theofilos "Ted" George Balabanis

Theofilos “Ted” G. Balabanis November 19, 1933, to February 4, 2022 Ted as he was known to most, passed away peacefully on Friday February 4, 2021. He was embraced by his loving wife of 40 years, Ruby G. Balabanis. He was predeceased by his mother Elizabeth Balabanis and father George Balabanis, and a brother Michael Balabanis, two sons Joseph Balabanis and Chad Balabanis. He is survived by his wife Ruby Balabanis, sister Anthiana Balabanis, daughters, Elizabeth Murphy, Georgiana Butler, Chris Rorrer and Rebecca Yow. He has 7 Grandchildren, Alexandra Balabanis, Michael and Hunter Butler, Breana and Ashley Sauls, Sophia and Aleah Yow. Ted was born on the island of Lesvos, Greece and came to America at the age of two where his family settled in Westfield Massachusetts. He graduated from Springfield High where he played the trumpet in a jazz band. He attended Penn State College where he received a degree in Hotel Restaurant Management. After Graduating, he was a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army, spending time in Germany. He then moved to New York where he worked in the hotel industry. He was an alter boy in his younger years and cantor as he grew older but would fill in wherever he was needed. He loved his church and was a very active and beloved member of St. Peter Greek Orthodox Church in Danville. He served not only his church but his community as well and was respected in the Greek communities in several cities including Danville, Martinsville, Roanoke, Virginia Beach and elsewhere. He was hired to work as the manager of the Lynnwood Country Club settling in Martinsville, VA where he thrived. He opened the Hut restaurant, which was very successful, while he also opened the Southern Host Inn Motel on Route 220 in Ridgeway. He was also the owner of T&R Properties and Harmony Hall Home For Adults in Bassett, VA. He was an enthusiastic 60-year Rotarian, dedicated 32 Degree Mason, Shriner, President of the Virginia Restaurant Association, Employed hundreds of people throughout his long and productive life. He was a patron of the arts, loved playing the piano, trumpet and collecting stamps and coins, but his favorite pastime was being with his family. He had an infectious laugh, amazing sense of humor, was quick with a smile and telling a joke. He touched the lives of so many people throughout his extraordinary life. He was a pioneer and pillar of the Martinsville and Henry County Community. He loved Martinsville and considered it his home. His network of friends spread worldwide. He will be missed by his family, friends, and the community. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the SPCA of Martinsville, Penn State, Masons or Rotary. Services to be determined at a later.