Antoun Y. Balich

Antoun Y. Balich of Arlington, formerly of Dorchester, passed away on February 21, 2024. He was 97 years old.

Antoun was born and raised in Damascus, Syria.  As a young man, he worked as a tailor’s apprentice and was a church altar server. He immigrated to the U.S. in the early 1950s and began working at the concession stand at Houghton’s Pond in Milton. Antoun was eager to own and operate his own business and soon purchased the Kenberma Spa in Dorchester. Antoun would later expand the business and rename it Antoun’s Superette.  In 1972 he sold the Superette and purchased a 5 & 10 store in Arlington, renaming it the Balich 5 & 10.  In 1992 Antoun retired and passed the family business to his oldest son, Joe.  In retirement Antoun and Gloria traveled extensively, including trips to Egypt, China and Russia.  Antoun was a long-time, deeply devoted member of the Church of St. John of Damascus. He also took great joy investing in the stock market and was an active Mason for 54 years.  His greatest joy was spending time with his beloved Gloria and their children, many grandchildren and ever-growing number of great-grandchildren.

Antoun was the dear and devoted husband for 70 years of the late Gloria (Najjar) Balich. Loving father of Joseph Balich and his wife De-Paula of Bedford, Louise Jackson of Hanson, Lydia Earle and her husband Bartholomew of Gloucester, Joyce Balich of Lexington, and Paul Balich and his wife Donna of Ipswich. Cherished grandfather "Jido" of Bradford, Blake, Trip, Caroline, Elizabeth, Bennett, Alexandra, Drew, Reed, Melissa and Meghan. Great-grandfather of Liam, Nora, Grace, Ella, Stella, Isla and Jordan. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Antoun’s Funeral Service will be held Monday, February 26, 2024 at 11 a.m. at The Church of St. John of Damascus 300 West St. Dedham. Visiting hour in the Church beginning at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Antoun’s memory may be made to the Church.  Please see the link below under DONATIONS.

Antoun will be laid to rest with his beloved Gloria at Fairview Cemetery in Hyde Park.

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