First of all, to Mike’s family, my sympathy, thoughts and prayers of encouragement. I just spoke recently to Mike to thank him for his continued generous efforts towards our Homer Street School children. As always, he was steadfast in living life and not dwelling on his health challenges. Ever the gentleman, he and the Balise family have been great corporate citizens to our City of Springfield. Not missing “a quality assurance beat,” even with everything he had going on, he would always ask how my wife Carla’s van was doing. ‘Til the end- a class act. The world needs more Mike Balise’s. Mike, may God rest your soul and thanks- your legacy will live on.
Respectfully,
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno
