Jonas "John" Balcius, 97, of Bridgeport, passed away on Thursday, August 28, 2025.

    Jonas was born in 1928 in Radviliškis, Šiauliai, Lithuania, to Anelisa (Kraicšunas) and Stasys Balcius. He was one of eight children. In 1947, he emigrated to Derbyshire, England, where he served in the Territorial Army for four years. In 1953, he married Kathleen Mellor, and together they raised their son, Peter. In 1967, the family emigrated to the United States, settling in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Jonas worked as a machinist at Bullard Company until its closure in the 1980s. The family was a member of Saint George Church on Park Avenue in Bridgeport for many years. John was a member of Lithuanian Council #141 in Bridgeport, CT, and the Lithuanian Young Men's Society. 

    John is survived by his beloved wife of 72 years, Kathleen Iris Mellor Balcius; his son, Peter John Balcius; his goddaughter, Kayte Mulligan Zowine; his sister-in-law, Dana; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews both in Lithuania and the United States.

    He is preceded in death by his mother, Anelisa (Kraicšunas); his father, Stasys Balcius; his brothers, Vaclovas (and his wife, Elena), Stasys (and his wife, Klementina), Pranas (and his wife, Janina), Vytautas (and his wife, Birute), and Feliksas (and his wife, Jadvyga); and his sister, Regina.

    Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Lesko Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, Fairfield Center. Services will continue at the funeral home on Wednesday, September 3, with visiting hours from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by the service at 11:00 AM and interment at Lawncroft Cemetery in Fairfield, CT. For travel directions or to sign his online guest register, please visit www.LeskoFuneralHome.com.

    A special thanks to Saint Vincent's Hospice and nurses Kerry, Tammy, and Tommy.