- Date Of Birth: August 19, 2018
- Date Of Death: November 14, 2018
- State: New Mexico
John Paul Balagna passed away peacefully on November 14, 2018 in his home. He was proud of his 98 years. He enjoyed his two distinct profession; Analytical Chemist, Los Alamos National Labs, “The Manhattan Project”, 1944-1986, and in retirement started his Balagna Winery and became a skilled vintner, 1986-2008. John graduated from Holy Cross College in Canon City, CO with a B.S. in Chemistry 1940 and continued graduate studies at University of Colorado and University of New Mexico with a major in Chemistry. He has a passion for learning.
Born August 19, 1920, in his parent’s home in Brewster, CO, he was the first born of John Balagna and Mary Vezzetti Balagna. They moved to Canon City, Co where they had more children, Joseph (killed August 1944, WWII, France) and sister, Eleanor (Sterling) deceased and the youngest, Margaret (Bower).
John was preceded in death by his talented wife, Jean Strever Balagna and daughter Lisa. He is survived by his daughter Renee Balagna.
John, a Los Alamos County Commissioner, was very instrumental in the planning and development of Parajarto Acres, later serving on the Board of Directors and Home Owners Association. John served on the Governor’s Appointed Oversight Board for Las Lunas Hospital and Training facility and School. Both John and Jean served on Associated of Special Needs Citizens and Parents Board in El Mirador, NM. They were committed philanthropists for various Causes often using their home and vinery for fundraisers.
