Calvin Balencie

Calvin Francis Balencie, a resident of Baton Rouge, LA, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2025.

Calvin was born in New Orleans, LA, on April 7, 1936. He graduated from Francis T. Nicholls High School in 1954 and married JoAnn Thomas in 1956. Calvin worked as a salesman for Woodward, Wight & Co., Ltd., and later, as a purchasing agent for the New Orleans Hilton. He was a resident of Terrytown and attended Christ the King Church until 2006 when he and JoAnn moved to Baton Rouge. Calvin became an artist at an early age and has been painting and participating in art shows and exhibitions for nearly 70 years. He has won countless honors and awards for his work. He participated in the Pirate’s Alley Art Show for over 50 years. He was a member of the West Bank Art Guild, New Orleans Art Association, Art Guild of Louisiana, the LA Watercolor Society and Ochsner Golden Opportunities. He was a veteran and served in the Army National Guard.

Calvin is survived by his daughters, Jeanne B. Hildebrandt (David) and Angele B. Ourso (Darrell); four grandchildren, Christopher Hildebrandt (Amanda), Ryan Hildebrandt (Naomi), Amanda O. Ieyoub (Nicholas), and Daniel Ourso (Caroline); and four great-grandchildren, Abigail, Holly, Charlie and James Hildebrandt; sisters-in-law, Joan T. Carona and Mary E. Thomas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, JoAnn Thomas Balencie; parents, John M. and Ruby Hountha Balencie; siblings, Ruby B. Boos, Shirley B. Mondello, John M. Balencie, Jr., and Joycelyn Balencie.

The family would also like to recognize and thank Calvin's friends at the Antioch Senior Center, his wonderful neighbors on Margaux Drive and the staff of Pinnacle Health.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM, at Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 15615 Jefferson Highway., in Baton Rouge, with a rosary at 9:00 AM. Mass will follow at 11:00 AM. Following the mass, inurnment will take place at Resthaven Gardens of Memory Mausoleum Chapel, 11817 Jefferson Highway.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.