Wellis S. Balliet, Jr., age 90 of Nescopeck passed away peacefully on Thursday November 12, 2026, at Grandview Nursing and Rehabilitation, Danville.
Born in Palmerton, on October 5, 1936, he was a son of the late Wellis S. and Beatrice A. (Miller) Balliet, Sr. Wellis graduated from Tamaqua High School in 1953. After graduating, he served briefly in the national guard before enlisting in the US Army, where he worked as an IS Radio Operator. He was stationed in Korea following the Korean War. Wellis eventually settled in Nescopeck where he worked for various companies throughout the years, including Clewell Farm, Berwick Forge, CarMar, Dairy Services, and Deluxe Homes.
Wellis was a devoted man of faith, during his time as a member of St. Peters Church, Tamaqua is where he met the love of his life, Geraldine (Hoppes) Balliet. They married in 1956 and shared 54 wonderful years together until her passing in May 2011, together they raised 3 daughters.
He was an active member of First United Church of Christ, Nescopeck where he faithfully served as both a Deacon, Elder and Treasurer. Wellis also volunteered his time with the Nescopeck Food Cupboard and was a lifetime member of the Nescopeck VFW Post 8227, where he served as a chaplain. He especially enjoyed camping and was a member of both the Winnebago Itaska Travelers, the Good Sam Club and the FMCA. He cherished spending time outdoors with his family. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, gardener and hiker. He loved exploring countless trails with his family and friends, including many sections of the Appalachian Trail and was a lifetime member of the Susquehannock Trail Club. His real love was traveling the United States, Alaska and Canada with his wife in their Winnebago.
In addition to his beloved wife, he was preceded in death by his brother, Roger Balliet; sister, Jean Duncan; and his triplet great grandsons, Garrett, Lucas, and Isaiah Rhoads.
He will be greatly missed by his daughters, Penny Snavely and husband Harry; Patty Roth and husband Buck; and Pammy Luthi and husband David Sr., all of Nescopeck; grandchildren, Carrie Sobolewski and husband Jeff; Crystal Cherrington and husband Scotty; Amber Force and husband Ryan; David Luthi Jr., and wife Charlene; Jennie Rhoads and husband, Daniel; Andrew Roth; and Becky Luthi; great grandchildren, Gavin, Hunter, Zoey, Tyler, Austin, Carly, Lizzie, Elijah, Aubrey, Emma, and Cora. He also leaves behind brothers, Dennis Balliet; Kenny Balliet and wife Helen; Bruce Balliet and wife Donna; and sister, Jane Castro and partner, Jack Shive.
A funeral service will held at 11:00 AM on Monday, November 16, 2026, at Heller Funeral Home, Inc, 633 E Third St, Nescopeck. Interment will follow in Rose Lawn Cemetery, Berwick. Family will receive friends on Sunday, November 15, 2026 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM and Monday from 10:00 AM until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Susquehannock Trail Club, P.O. Box 643, Coudersport, PA 16915 or First United Church of Christ, 901 E Third Street, Nescopeck, PA 18635.
Online messages of comfort for his family may be sent to condolences@HellerFuneralHomeLLC.com