The ever-memorable and greatly loved Protodeacon George Balaban, of the St Herman of Alaska parish in Sunnyvale, CA, has reposed in the Lord.

Fr George was born on May 26, 1941 in Bucharest Romania. He was a graduate of the National Musical Conservatory in Bucharest in 1965. In 1966 he married another talented musician, Raluca Cautis… they were married for almost 60 years. In 1980, George and Raluca emigrated to the United States, fleeing Communism. They ended up settling in the Bay Area and began attending services at the Church of the Redeemer in Los Altos. They, along with a few others, left the Church of the Redeemer to be founding members of the St Herman of Alaska Orthodox Church in 1984. In 1988, Fr George was ordained to the deaconate by Archbishop Antony (Medvedev). Fr George served faithfully for over 35 years until declining health began to slow him down. Even when it became difficult for him to serve, he continued to faithfully attend, sat in the altar and blessed us with his prayerful and peaceful presence.

Fr George reposed on September 5th, 2025. He is survived by his Matushka Raluca Mariana, their son Matthew and his wife Rebecca - who gave them their beloved granddaughter, Sophia.

Funeral will take place at St Herman of Alaska Orthodox Church, Saturday September 13th at 9:30am. Burial to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Los Altos Hills.

May his memory be eternal!