On the 19th day of August 2024, Boardman Police Lt. Richard "Rick" John Balog, 62, of Columbiana, passed away peacefully into the arms of the Lord as he made his final roll call, while surrounded by family.

Rick was born on July 30, 1962, in Youngstown, Ohio, the son of Richard and Mary Helena (Todhunter) Balog of Poland.

Rick was a 1980 graduate of Chaney High School and went on to earn a degree in Criminal Justice at Youngstown State University. He was a 2010 graduate of the FBI National Academy. He has proudly served the community as a member of the Boardman Police Department for 34 years. He served on an inner agency Task Force, the police bike patrol, he was one of two of the departments Voice Stress Analysis officers. He enjoyed spending time with his family, playing cards, golfing, traveling and following OSU

Rick will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and colleagues, all of whom have graciously shared memories with him.

In addition to his loving parents of Poland, Rick leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Wendi Dawn (Podgorscak) Balog, his children; Alyssa (George Nanchoff)(Balog) Weist and Brett (Danielle) Balog, siblings; Theresa (Michael) Devine, Nancy (Balog) Cuba and Wendy (Scott) Newby, five grandchildren; Peyton, Aubrey and Jordyn Balog, Noah Weist and Isabella Nanchoff, Mother-in-law; Verna Grace (Walker) Podgorshak, Sister-in-law; Kristy Ann Podgorscak, Brother-in-law; Steve Jason Podgorscak, 12 nieces and nephews, his fellow brothers and sisters on area departments and all those in the community he was so loyal to protect and serve.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, John and Ann (Drahush) Balog, and maternal grandparents, John and Helena (Wilt) Todhunter, and father-in-law, Ivan Podgorscak.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the near future. The family has asked that in place of flowers, please donate to Disabled American Veterans or St. Judes Children's Hospital. (Rick was faithful to donate to these two organizations.)

Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Arbaugh-Pearce-Greenisen and Sons Funeral and Cremation Services, Salem.