Achilles Balabanis

Achilles Balabanis, one month shy of 93 years, passed away on May 29, 2024, in Sun City, Arizona.

He lived a fruitful life. Graduating from High School in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with a cello in his hand, he received a scholarship to the University of Kansas, where he met the love of his life, married his senior year, and graduated with a music degree.

He accepted a job in Sublette, Kansas as a music teacher, until he enlisted in the army in 1955. Stationed in Germany playing cello in the Seventh Army Symphony, he toured Europe. He accepted a job teaching orchestra in all Wichita Falls, Texas High Schools for the next ten years.

Moving his family to Beaumont, Texas, he taught music at Lamar Technical College for two years.

He then accepted a position teaching in Moscow, Idaho at the University of Idaho.

After two years, he landed his dream job as a music teacher at Eastern Washington State College, principal cellist for the Spokane Symphony, and later cellist for the Spokane String Quartet, the highlight of which was performing at Carnegie Hall.

Ordained as an Episcopal deacon, he served communities for the Episcopal Diocese of Spokane, St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Cheney, Washington and Washington state Cursillo weekend retreats. Retiring after 25 years and earning emeritus status, he moved to Sun City, Arizona to play golf year-round.

He continued to play cello and sing in the choir as an active member of St. Christopher Episcopal Church in Sun City.

He is survived by Vera Charlyn, his wife of 71 years; three daughters, Nadine Baxter, Helen Balabanis, and Kathryn Peabody; his daughter-in-law, Katharine Nelson; his grandchildren, Daniel Balabanis, Ryan Peabody, Austin Peabody, Alec Balabanis, and Elena Balabanis; his great-grand daughter, Khloe Peabody; and his sister, Toula Chininis. He is predeceased by his son, David Balabanis and sister, Rebecca Balabanis.

 A Celebration of Life service will be held at St. Christopher Episcopal Church in Sun City, Arizona. Time and date are yet to be determined.