William Steele Balch, 85, of Route 12A in Cornish, NH died Sunday afternoon, February 26, 2023 at Valley Regional Hospital.

Born in Englewood, NJ on February 10, 1938, to West Steele and Amalia (Hatch) Balch.

He served in the US Army. He had worked at AT&T as a draftsman and moved up to installer. After 35 years, he retired and opened Balch Telephone Service.

He was active in sports and boy scouts with his two sons. He spent many years on the Zoning Board of Adjustment and was an active member of the United Church of Cornish.

He married the love of his life, Barbara Balch on July 30, 1960. They moved their family to Cornish in 1972. They had 52 years together before her death in 2013.

He was predeceased by his younger brother, Robert Balch.

He is survived by two sons, Jeffrey Balch and his wife, Katherine of Sunapee, and Russell Balch and his wife, Delia of Gulfport, MS; his sister, Marjorie Dunn of FL; grandchildren, Candace (Daniel) King, Mariah (Chris) Boivin, Benjamin (Autumn Rose) Balch, Arlene (Bryce) Hockert, Maryann Balch, Ashley (Corey) Beaudry, Brieann (Andrew) Spear and Taryn (Andrew) Wellington; great grandchildren, Raegan, Spencer and Emery King, Zander and Ella Boivin, Taylor, Emerson and Madelyn Beaudry and Andrew Wellington. He was excitedly waiting on the arrival of his great grandson, "Baby J" Balch. Also many beloved nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Visiting hours will be held at Stringer Funeral Home, 146 Broad Street in Claremont on Saturday, March 4 ^th , from 1:30-2:30PM. A memorial service will follow at 2:30 with Rev. Dale officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the First Baptist Church, 85 North Main Street, Newport, NH 03773.