Andrew Balent Jr., 92, passed away August 23, 2026.
A native of Washington, Pennsylvania, son of the late Andrew Balent Sr. and Margaret Maslanik Balent. He received his Master’s degree in music at the University of Michigan. He was a retired band director at the Fitzgerald School District, Warren, Michigan. In addition he was a composer and arranger of band and orchestra music and conducted band music across America, Europe and Brazil. He had over 700 works published and was the recipient of the Edwin Franko Goldman Memorial Citation. He was a long time member of the Greenville Concert Band, and the Furman Lakeside Concert Summer Band. Mr. Balent was a member of Praise Cathedral. He was a patient and generous man overflowing with wonderful stories and experiences. He will be greatly missed by family, friends, and the music industry.
Surviving are his wife Carole Hopkins Balent; one daughter Dr. Laura Balent of Belvue, Washington; two sons Andrew Balent III (Jean) of Fort Mill, North Carolina and Matthew Balent (Renita) of Salisbury, North Carolina; and five grandchildren Maxwell Bruch (Helena), Clarice Bruch, Alecia Balent, Rhiannon Krähe, and Corvus Balent; and a step-daughter, Jodie Bradley (Steven) of Pauline, South Carolina, along with her children Thomas Bradley (Brandi), Virginia Dotson (Zack), David Bradley (Katy), and grandchildren, Kaleb Bradley, Sabrina Bradley, Rowan Dotson.
Mr. Balent was predeceased by his brother Dr. Alvan Balent Sr., and a sister Eleanor Balent.
Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Sept. 20 at The Wood Mortuary Chapel.
Visitation will be held from noon to 1:45 p.m. Sept. 20 at The Wood Mortuary.
Memorials may be made to Parkinson’s Foundation 5757 Waterford District Drive, Suite 310 Miami, Florida 33126.
Online condolences may be made at www.thewoodmortuary.com.
