
September 22, 1934 to January 31, 2023
Leonard A. Balise, having lived a long and fulfilled life, passed away peacefully at his home on January 31, 2023 at the age of 88.
Leonard was born in Holyoke, Massachusetts on September 22, 1934. His family moved to Bisbee, Arizona in the early 1940’s. He successfully earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America at the age of 14 and was a graduate of Bisbee High School. He then proudly served in the United States Army.
Leonard returned from the Army where he met and married Peggy (Walker), and together had three children, Michael, Daniel and Kelly. They moved their family to Silver City in 1967 after the copper mine closed down in Bisbee.
Leonard called Silver City his home for over 50 years. He worked as a Diesel Mechanic at the Tyrone Copper Mine for Phelps Dodge. He was a “jack of all trades” when it came to mechanics as he could fix most anything.
Leonard's favorite pastime was spending time in the great outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed all sports, but football was clearly his favorite.
Leonard is survived by his wife Peggy J. Balise, his children: Michael A. Balise, Daniel W. Balise (Gloria), and Kelly I. Brewer (David); his grandchildren: Melinda Shepard (Travis), Dustin Balise, Victoria Balise, Meghan Rojas (Jerry), Amanda Bailey (Tye), LuEmma Rowland (Dustin); his great grandchildren: Ethan Shepard, Parker Shepard, Jackson Rojas, Karlee Rojas, Nora Bailey, Emberly Rowland, Mattingly Rowland and his brother-in-law John Walker. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Thelma Balise and his sister Dorothy Balise.
Leonard was truly one of a kind and will sadly be missed by all.
Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels.