Funeral Details

Leyb Isaac Balaban, 90.
Beloved husband of the late Zhanna. Loving father of Lazar (Yelena) Balaban and the late Rita (the late Vladimir) Goy. Cherished grandfather of Aleksandr, David and Jenna Balaban and Bogdan and Oleg Goy. Great-grandfather of Michael Johnson, Michael and his two younger sisters. Leyb is a holocaust survivor, his family escaped Nazis and after long difficult journey arrived to Uzbekistan where stayed until the war ended in 1945. Leyb grew up in a big Jewish family of nine children. He was the 8-th and the youngest boy 7 siblings have passed already: Boris, Tanya, Misha, Suher, Motya, Pavlik. One brother Shurik and sister Nusia are alive and live in Israel. Leyb graduated from college as a civil engineer with honors, he always took pride in his work. He worked as a leading professional and was regarded as a knowledgeable specialist. Upon arrival to US he worked at different capacities from museum keeper, care taker to a gardener. He always worked hard. People respected him for positive attitude, good character and sense of humor. Generally speaking Leyb’s life was full of high achievements, hard work and never ending desire to live to the fullest. Unfortunately, there were tragedies: including losing his beloved daughter Rita at the age of 34, shortly after wife Zhanna at 59. Regardless, Leyb remained strong. He spent countless time with his grandson Sasha (Aleksandr) teaching him Russian, swimming and playing chess. Later Leyb helped raising grandson David and Granddaughter Jenna. He was always a great example for them. We will miss him greatly. May he rest in peace, Amen. Service Sunday, 12 noon at Chicago Jewish Funerals, 195 N. Buffalo Grove Road, (one block North of Lake Cook Road) Buffalo Grove. Interment Shalom Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations your charity of choice would be appreciated. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals – Buffalo Grove Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com