Born in Portsmouth, Virginia on June 12, 1942, Peter was adopted by
Howard and Delores Ballenger. After the Second World War, Howard’s work
at a defense plant ended and he returned with his family to their home
in Hartford City, Indiana. Years later, when the Pursley family donated
their Hartford City mansion for use as a novitiate, the Ballengers
became S.M.M. friends and benefactors. During my own novitiate year,
Howard and Delores were welcomed as frequent visitors.
In 1956, Peter entered Montfort Prep as a high school freshman. He
was athletic and excelled in soccer and basketball (Hoosiers all play
basketball, don’t they?). Following 6 years in Bay Shore, he was
invested in 1962 and returned to Hartford City to begin novitiate and
made his first profession in 1963.
He completed Philosophy training in 1965 in St. Mary, Missouri.
Peter undertook the first 2-years of Theology at Montfort seminary in
Litchfield, Connecticut. He completed the remaining 2-years at St. Louis
University and was ordained in June of 1969. Peter’s first assignment
(assistant/later Pastor) was at St. Theresa of Avila Church in St.
Louis. Then an “inner-city” parish and considered a difficult
appointment, Fr. Ballenger's ministry attracted the notice of a wealthy
benefactor and transformed it into a fully functioning, thriving
community of involved Catholics. His tenure there lasted for 10 years.
In 1979, Peter accepted a new assignment as Pastor of the
Parish of St. Mary Gate of Heaven in Ozone Park, NY. After 5
years in that position, he resigned as a priest, left the SMM and
became a professional carpenter in New York City (reminds me of St.
Joseph, the foster father of Jesus). In 2001 he retired from carpentry
and returned to the Ballenger family residence in Hartford City he had
inherited from his mother. He never married and has no biological
descendants. Nearest next of kin is Peter’s brother Patrick Ballenger. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful
departed, rest in peace.
Brian Harrington
Investiture Class of 1961
