Chapter Eternal: Jerry Balka, C.K. – Chapter Advisor, consiglieri, and dedicated volunteer
Jerry Balka (Temple ’51}, longtime Chapter Advisor and consiglieri, passed into the Chapter Eternal on October 10, 2024. Jerry was not only a trusted advisor to the PA Alpha Delta chapter at Temple University, but volunteered his time and expertise to support the IHQ and other local chapters, specializing in housing. At one time Jerry helped any chapter in the Philly area with housing.
Foundation President and former Executive Director, Gary Sanders said. “Jerry was the Philly connection for years. Considering how many strong chapters in that area during the 60’s and 70’s there wouldn’t be a Pilam without him.”
Honors
Jerry received the Diamond Chip Council Key from Pi Lambda Phi in 1971 for meritorious service, and the Edward Goldman Alumnus Achievement Award in 1976.
In the 1980s, the PA Alpha Delta chapter established the Jerome R. Balka award which is given annually to an undergraduate who displays exemplary conduct in all phases of the Pi Lam Code of Responsibilities.
A lifelong commitment to Pi Lam
Jerry clearly loved Pi Lam, and spoke warmly at Temple’s Kovner Memorial banquets about his strong bonds with his brothers, and how Pi Lam helped him to grow as a person.
Jerry remained very close with the “Old House” of brothers from the late 40s and early 50s. In the 80s and 90s they gathered for five-year lunch reunions with cocktails (naturally), and spirted “good and welfares.” Their stories were vivid and funny. You could tell that many of their best lifetime experiences came during their years at Pi Lam.
Jerry served as Chapter Advisor for decades and has always been there for the chapter in times of trouble to offer his support and guidance. He was instrumental in attaining the Chapter House at 2000 North Broad in 1969, and helped other local chapters acquire housing. This lead to a model for “house corporations” to govern funding, acquisition, and property management.
Protecting the Temple chapter with tough love
Jerry was the “red phone” that the rex picked up when something went very wrong. He was a seasoned Philadelphia trial attorney who had heard it all. He always listened first, but he knew when “evidence was being withheld.” If you messed up and didn’t own up to mistakes, he didn’t mince words.
Pilam and the well-being of the chapter always came first. And Jerry didn’t hesitate to use his legal and professional connections to help out when really needed. Jerry had the ability to quiet a large room and have them listen to every word. He cared deeply about values, responsibility, and accountability. A conversation with Jerry wasn’t always what you wanted, it was always what you needed.
A career in law
Jerry had a distinguished career from his beginnings in the US Army’s Counter-Intelligence Service to his accomplished stature in the legal community which began as Assistant District Attorney in Philadelphia. He was a partner at Reger Rizzo & Darnall for more than 60 years.
Jerry’s legacy
For his years of service and dedication to Pi Lambda Phi, Jerry will always be remembered as a true embodiment of our motto, “not four years, but a lifetime.”
Jerry is survived by his wife Arleen (Sissy). Jerry and Sissy met at Pilam as undergraduates, and she accompanied him to the 2022 Kovner Banquet, 70 years later.