Richard A. Ballard

Age 76, passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 4, 2021. Rich was born on February 12, 1945, in Waukesha, WI to parents Robert and Mary Ballard (nee Blando). He left WI after high school to enlist in the US Air Force, where he was stationed for four years in Colorado. Then he became a busy father raising four children, as well as owning and operating a calculator business. Career changes took him to California, where he resided for many years and worked in the field of electronics.

After meeting Joyce Reiner (nee Elias) at their 40th class reunion, Rich decided to move back home to Wisconsin. He and Joyce married in 2007, retired soon afterward, and spent their retirement years pursuing many interests. Rich delved into photography, genealogy, birding, raising monarch butterflies, learning Italian, and studying Great Courses. Using his excellent photography skills, he captured beautiful pictures of birds, butterflies, and other creatures of nature. He loved travelling to Italy where he immersed himself in the culture and language of his ancestors. He was delighted to discover, meet, and befriend cousins in Sicily.

Rich was a kind, soft-spoken gentleman who brought a calming presence to those around him. He had a wonderful sense of humor, bringing much fun and laughter into the world. He will be dearly missed but fondly remembered by all those who knew him. He is survived by his wife and best friend Joyce, his loving children Allison, Amanda, and Eric, and his dear granddaughter Alexis. He was preceded in death by his daughter Aimee. He is remembered by his brothers Robert (Joyce), Ronald (Josie Vallone), and Andrew (Linda), and his sisters Sue Hogard (Michael) and Sara Maitri (Karen McIntyre). He is also remembered by his new extended family David and Kristi Reiner, Jeanne Osgood (Don), and Joan Elias, along with other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be at Mother of Perpetual Help Parish, 2322 South 106th Street, West Allis, Wisconsin on Saturday, October 2, 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 12:00 PM.

Donations are appreciated in Rich’s memory to the Audubon Society or the Italian Community Center in Milwaukee.