- Date Of Death: May 21, 2017
- State: New Jersey
Samuel W. Ballinger “Buddy” passed away on Sunday at the age 96. Mr. Ballinger was born and raised on a farm in Burlington Township. He worked as a Tool and Die maker at Radio Condenser Co. in Camden, NJ then retired as a Tool and Design Engineer in 1983. He belonged to many social and military organizations but mostly enjoyed ballroom dancing and was known as “Tango Sam”.
He is survived by a brother Walter E. (Ellen) Ballinger of Raleigh, NC and their three sons: Walter, Bonner and James. A niece Eileen (Michael) Liss of Burlington Township and their children: Jennifer, Matthew and Brian. A nephew Glen (Elaine) Ballinger of Florida and a niece Mary Douglas of Vancouver, Canada. He is also survived by 3 great-great nephews and many friends. Sam served proudly in the United States Army in World War II in Europe. He fought through Normandy, the Rhineland and with General Patton’s Third Army in the Battle of the Bulge. He was decorated by three countries The United States, Belgium and Luxemburg.
His many awards include the Bronze Star Medal for Valor with Oak Leaf Cluster and the Combat Infantry Badge. Mr. Ballinger’s membership in many organizations include: Veterans of Foreign Wars Burlington Post No. 1817, Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge-Delaware Valley Chapter, Disabled American Veterans Post No.14, 26th Infantry Division Association, 328th Combat Team Assoc.
He also belonged to the Burlington Lodge No. 32 of F&AM, The City of Burlington Historical Society, Burlington Township Heritage Commission, The Burlington Twp. Seniors, The NJ Farm Bureau, The Broad Street United Methodist Church, The Battleship New Jersey Volunteers, The Artisans of Philadelphia and the Stardust Ballroom Dancers.
