Pete Ballenger, RIP

 

With heavy heart, I write to report the March 9, 2023 death of beloved Montfort alum, Peter Ballenger at the age of 80 years. For the past 5 years he has resided in memory care facilities in Hartford City and Muncie, Indiana until entering hospice care a few days before his death.

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