Achilles Balabanis

Achilles, one month shy of 93 years, and Vera Charlyn Balabanis, aged 93, of Sun City, Arizona, passed away within 48 days of each other, on May 29, 2024 and July 16, 2024 respectively. Together they lived a life filled with love, laughter, music, and dedication to family and community during their 71 years of marriage. Achilles Balabanis graduated from high school in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin with a cello in his hand. He accepted a scholarship to the University of Kansas, where he met the love of his life and married his senior year. Vera Charlyn, a talented soprano from Partridge, Kansas graduated from the University of Kansas with teaching and performing music degree. The couple moved to Sublette, Kansas where Achilles accepted a job as a music teacher, until he enlisted in the army in 1955. Vera Charlyn then took over his teaching position. Stationed in Germany playing cello in the Seventh Army Symphony, Achilles toured Europe, with the orchestra featuring Vera Charlyn as a soloist. After that term, Achilles accepted a job teaching orchestra in all Wichita Falls, Texas high schools. Vera Charlyn was hired by Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Wichita Falls as a soloist in their choir, performed in operas, taught vocal lessons, and mothered four children. The family moved to Beaumont, Texas, where Achilles taught music at Lamar Technical College for two years. Vera Charlyn sang and directed a choir at St. Stevens Episcopal Church. Achilles then accepted a position teaching in Moscow, Idaho at the University of Idaho while Vera Charlyn taught elementary music. Achilles landed his dream job as a music teacher at Eastern Washington State College, principal cellist for the Spokane Symphony, and later cellist for the Spokane String Quartet, the highlight of which was performing at Carnegie Hall. Ordained as an Episcopal deacon, he served communities for the Episcopal Diocese of Spokane, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Cheney, Washington, and Washington state Cursillo weekend retreats. He retired after 25 years and earning emeritus status. While in Cheney, Vera Charlyn continued soloing for the Spokane Symphony, teaching elementary music and music education classes for Eastern Washington University, and providing voice lessons. She too was active as choir director at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Cheney and served on many Cursillo teams. Achilles and Vera Charlyn moved to Phoenix to play golf year-round. Both served as active member of St. Christopher Episcopal Church in Sun City. Achilles continued to play cello and participated in a men’s Bible study group. Both Achilles and Vera Charlyn sang in the choir and worked on a team providing lunches for the homeless.
They are survived by three daughters, Nadine Baxter, Helen Balabanis, and Kathryn Peabody; their daughter-in-law, Katharine Nelson, their grandchildren, Daniel Balabanis, Ryan Peabody, Austin Peabody, Alec Balabanis, and Elena Balabanis; their great-grand daughter, Khloe Peabody; Achilles’ sister, Toula Chininis, and Vera Charlyn’s sisters, Jeanne White, Thelma Schmidt, and Celia Boyea and her brother Bill Dixon. They are predeceased by their son, David Balabanis, Achilles sister Rebecca Balabanis, Vera Charlyn’s sisters Harriet Foss, Mildred DeWitt, Virginia Field, June Foss, Dorothy Nossman, Donna Holmes, and her brother, Richard Dixon.
A joint Celebration of Life service will be held on August 3 at 2:30 at St. Christopher Episcopal Church, 10233 W. Peoria Avenue, Sun City, Arizona 85351. The family welcomes all who were touched by Achilles and Vera Charlyn’s warmth and generosity.