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He was born on May 23, 1927 in New Brunswick, the son of Warren and Doris (Lampson) Balentine. He graduated from High School in Quincy, Massachusetts. He served in the United States Army and was deployed to Germany during the Army of Occupation. He earned his Bachelors of Arts and Masters of Education from Boston University and his Doctorate of Education from Rutgers University.
He was a lifelong educator from teacher, to principal, to Superintendent of Schools in Park Ridge for 20 years. He was a recognized and effective leader of education in New Jersey at the local, county and state levels. He was a lifelong learner and natural teacher and mentor to those in his life. He was committed to community service as a leader in Rotary International, the Park Ridge Library Board, the Foundation for Free Enterprise and Community Counseling Service.
He was a faithful and active member of the Pascack Reformed Church. In his free time he loved being with his family and friends, camping, hiking, gardening and especially sailing. A love for sailing was a life’s passion. It started in his late teens while living on Jamestown Island, RI and Hyannis MA. Later in his life, he established his summer residence in Cotuit, MA and spent his retirement years sailing his beloved boats in the waters of Nantucket Sound including the summer of 2016.
He is survived by his children Dr. Douglas Balentine, his wife Wendy and Susan O’Brien, Eugene; his grandchildren, Dr. Brendan O’Brien and his wife Dr. Karen Torrejon, Mark O’Brien and Kylie and Hao Bei Balentine; and his fiancée, Cindy Rose.
He was predeceased by his wife, Elaine M. Balentine; and his brothers, James and Richard Balentine.
A memorial service is planned 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21, at Pascack Reformed Church, 65 Pascack Road, Park Ridge.
Donations may be made in his memory to Pascack Reformed Church, 65 Pascack Road, Park Ridge 07656, and Park Ridge Rotary Charitable Foundation, PO Box 265, Park Ridge NJ 07656.
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