Joseph J. “Dewey” Ballat, Jr, 72 – Fancied Himself a ‘Professional’ Texas Hold’em Player

Joseph J. “Dewey” Ballat, Jr, age 72, of Orwigsburg, formerly of Pottsville, passed away on Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at his residence.

Born in Coaldale, PA on November 30, 1947, he was the son of the late Joseph John and Mary Elizabeth Ballat.

Dewey graduated Nativity B.V.M. High School, Class of 1965. He later worked at ALCOA and then in the construction industry. Dewey was a lifetime member of the American Hose Company in Pottsville.

In his leisure time, Dewey fancied himself a ‘professional’ Texas Hold’em player, enjoyed the outdoors: fishing and hunting, was a collector of antiquities, a jokester, and culinary enthusiast.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters: Joann Williams and Suzanne Rittle.

Dewey is survived by three daughters: Sheila, Dana, and Gina; a grandson; a great-grandson; eight sisters: Lucille Hayner, Mary E. Heidenwolf, Christine Zukovich, Patricia Stramara, Rose Marie Weaver, Amy Ryan, Diane Dunkel, Kay Rissinger; four brothers: Edward, Michael, Paul, and James Ballat; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Memorial services and interment held privately.

The Robert A Evans Jr Funeral Home in Port Carbon handled arrangements. Please send condolences to www.robertaevansjrfh.com.