Richard Michael “Duke” Balaun (June 29, 1943 - December 24, 2024)

In loving memory of
Richard Michael “Duke” Balaun
  • June 29, 1943
  • -
  • December 24, 2024

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Obituary

Richard Michael “Duke” Balaun, formerly of Akron/Medina, Ohio and an 18-year resident of Fort Myers, Florida, lost his battle with heart disease and passed away on Christmas eve at HealthPark Hospital in Fort Myers, at the age of 81.

Best friend and husband of 30-years to wife, Susan Balaun, Duke was a devout Catholic and a 1961 graduate of St. Vincent High School.

After graduating from high school, Duke majored in Business at Akron University and he served in the United States Army between September 8, 1963 and July 24, 1967.

Between 1956 and 2004, Duke worked for his family’s restaurant business, the William J. Balaun Company, which was founded by his father, William J. Balaun in the 1930’s.

While working for his family’s 16 restaurants, Duke quickly mastered every job he could, and in later years, he became the Restaurant Manager/Owner.

Following his retirement from the William J. Balaun, Co., Duke and his wife Susan moved from Akron to Medina, Ohio where they became residents for 10 years.

While living in Medina, Duke worked part-time for the Society of Handicapped Citizens, full time as an Executive Chef for the Best Western Hotel/Medina, and as a Pastry Chef for Molly’s Tea Room.

In 2006, Duke and his wife moved to Florida where Duke worked as an Executive Chef for Arden Courts Memory Care and as a Chef for Brookdale Alzheimer’s Care.

After retiring again from the workforce, Duke became a daily mass attendee and an active member of the Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord (Fort Myers, Florida).

As a lifelong magician and a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, Duke also enjoyed practicing his magic and entertaining his friends and family.

Those who met Duke instantaneously liked him, and those who knew him often said he was a man with a heart of gold.

Duke was the son of William Joseph Balaun and Evelyn Marie (Seikel) Balaun. He had 4 brothers, 2 sisters, and 23 nieces and nephews.

He is survived by wife, Susan Balaun of Fort Myers, Florida, daughter, Dr. Kristin Erin Kavanagh, M.D. of Akron, Ohio, (Alan Liu), brother, Dennis Balaun (Vicki) of Bradenton, Florida, and sister-in-law, Sharon Kalinowski (David) of Queen Creek, Arizona.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, John Balaun (Marian), William Balaun (Ann), Father George Balaun, and by his sisters Marily Dettling (Ted), and Helen March (Larry).

A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, beginning at 10:30 a.m., at the Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord Catholic Church, located at 8121 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33908. Interment will take place at a later date at St. John XXIII Catholic Church Memorial Gardens, located at 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers, FL 33912.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Charities (4235 Michigan Avenue, Fort Myers, FL 33916/Tele.: 239-334-4007.)


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  1. CHARLES J STOLL says:
    03 Jan 2025
    Charles J Stoll
    Jan 3 2025

    Thanks for many a great time Duke

  2. Wendy White says:
    03 Jan 2025
    Thank you Duke for always caring and bringing a smile to everyone you met. A true blessing as you helped everyone. May you rest in Gods eternal peace. Amen

  3. Wendy White lit a candle:
    03 Jan 2025
    Lit since January 3, 2025 at 1:08:23 AM

  4. Valerie says:
    02 Jan 2025
    Duke, thank you for your kindness. You touched so many lives. Susan and Kristen were blessed. Also, thank you for always pouring my Mom that perfect beer. Heaven has another angel. Please watch over us. Until we meet again ….,

  5. Biannca Rogers Russ lit a candle:
    02 Jan 2025
    Lit since January 2, 2025 at 1:35:25 AM

  6. Biannca Rogers Russ says:
    02 Jan 2025
    Rest well Mr. Duke devoted to faith, husband, father, and an awesome friend. You will be truly missed. Thank you for sharing your life with us and the wonderful memories you leave behind.
    ~Biannca & Family

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