Obituaries
Dr. Jon C. Balson, PhD, 78
February 28, 2025
Jon Carl Balson, 78, went home to be with his Savior on February 28, 2025. Jon was born in Franklin, NJ, and moved to Lancaster County in 1986. He leaves behind his wife of 46 years, Cynthia (Cindi) Balson of Leola, PA; daughter Jen Reiff, married 23 years to Steve Reiff (deceased), and their three sons, Toby, Simon, and Caleb of Ephrata, PA; and son, Chris Balson, married to Audra Balson and their children, Sawyer and Ruby of Lititz, PA; and two brothers, Michael Yurchak and wife Kathleen, and Gary Balson and late wife Susan, both of NJ.
Jon graduated from Houghton College in 1968, with a degree in German. He earned his M.A. and Doctorate in German Languages from UNC-Chapel Hill. Early in his career he served as Intergovernmental Coordinator of Cumberland County, NJ, and later served as Congressional Aide to U.S. Representative W.J. Hughes in Washington DC. In 1980, Jon returned to Houghton as the Executive Director of External Affairs and Professor of Government and Public Policy. Toward the end of his career he transitioned to State service under Governor Tom Ridge, and later became the Administrator of the PA Uniform Construction Code until his retirement in 2011.
Jon and Cindi are longtime members of Lancaster Evangelical Free Church (LEFC) of Lititz, PA, where Jon served for many years as an Elder, most recently overseeing the Compassion Fund. He had a heart for mentorship at LEFC. In addition, Jon served on the West Earl Township Zoning Hearing Board.
In his younger years, Jon was an avid cyclist. He was a runner, a Phillies fan, and enjoyed classical music, playing games with his grandkids, and keeping his lawn beautifully manicured. In his retirement, he developed and maintained a website honoring the WW II Gunboat, U.S.S. ERIE, on which his father served. His primary goal for retirement was to be of service to the Kingdom of God.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at LEFC in the coming months. Interment will be by private ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to LEFC https://www.lefc.net/give/ or Houghton University https://www.houghton.edu/giving/ in Jon’s memory.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
March 10, 2025
Dear Cindi,
I wish to extend my sincere condolences on the passing of your husband, Dr. Balson. I’ll see you at our groups next lunch.
Leticia Ramirez
March 07, 2025
As a fellow member of Millville High School Class of 1964, Y-club, Christian Brother, and good friend, I would like to express my sincere condolences to all of Jon’s close and extended family. He was agreat Christian example through whom one could see Jesus. Condolences as well from my wife Judy, also a Class of 1964 member.
David L & Judith (Tomlin) Thomas
March 06, 2025
Sorry for the loss of Jon! Many good memories of him and your family
Paul Delacot
March 05, 2025
So sorry to hear of Jon’s passing. I worked with him at Warwick Homes of Hope and more recently HUB Next Steps. Jon’s dedication to the Lord and service to others was very evident in his life. He is missed. Prayers for your family.
Donovan Oberholtzer
March 04, 2025
sorry to here about johns passing-fellow argonaut
jack walker
March 04, 2025
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I know John is in heaven and not suffering. John was a kind gentle soul, I admired him very much. He was a wise and intelligent .A man who cared for those around him always expressing his abounding Christianity. It was an honor to know him. He will remain in my heart so fondly.
Kathleen Como Yurchak
March 04, 2025
Cindy, very sad to hear of you and your family’s loss. I know he will be missed by many. But in our loss, we can rejoice knowing that he is no longer searching for a way to feel better. He has had to deal with so much since COVID hit him. He is at peace and in a much better place. I praise the Lord that you are a strong Christian woman and God will give you wisdom each step of the way. But please let us know if there is anything that we can do to help in any way. Sending love and prayers your way. Fran and Jerry Allwein
March 03, 2025
I will dearly miss my Uncle Jon. He was the smartest man that I know and what he accomplished in his lifetime no one can compare. His wife, my Aunt Cindi was as equally smart,strong and has an infectious personality. Together they made the perfect couple and I couldn’t love them anymore. Their children Jen and Chris are very accomplished in their own right. I know my Uncle Jon will be thrilled in heaven to see my grandfather and grandmother, his mother and father,along with the many relatives who have passed on.
I love you Uncle Jon!
Suzanne Balson
