Frank Ballo

Frank, Ballo 10/12/1953 - 11/1/2021 Delton, MI Frank David Ballo of Delton, MI was born October 12, 1953 in Detroit, MI. He left this world November 1, 2021, after a lengthy battle with cancer. Frank was proceeded in death by his parents Frank and Irene Ballo and his step-mother Naomi Ballo. He is survived by his brother Mark Ballo of Royal Oak, MI, aunts, cousins, his ex-wife Julie Scott of Kalamazoo, and many friends. After being raised in Warren, MI Frank moved on and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Western Michigan University in 1976 and also studied environmental law in Portland, Oregon. While pursuing a master's degree in Geography at WMU, he worked as a student intern at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, after which he was soon hired full time. He retired from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality in 2016 as a District Supervisor where he worked to protect Michigan's environment through conservation and enforcement during his long tenure. Frank was a strong environmentalist and he was a long-time and founding member of the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy for which he was at one time the President of the Board and he continued working with the Conservancy until his illness prevented him from doing so. He was a member of Pierce Cedar Creek Institute for many years, to which he provided a grant for their environmental studies. He also was a member of the Audubon Society of Kalamazoo, the Barry County Bird Club, and he loved birding and fly fishing. Frank loved to travel, having visited several states, was also an avid reader and enjoyed participating in his book club. Frank thoroughly enjoyed life, was liked by all who knew him and he cared deeply about people and will be truly missed. Memorials can be directed to the South West Michigan Land Conservancy or Pierce Creek Institute Environmental Education and Research Endowment Fund. Everyone wishes Frank a fond farewell.