Michael J. Balanoff

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Michael J. Balanoff, 82, passed away on Thursday, September 19. Born on May 21, 1942 in Arlington, MA to Abraham and Helen Balanoff, he had been a resident of Syracuse for more than 50 years.

He was a graduate of Lawrence HS, Tufts University, and Boston College Law School. Michael was drafted into the US Army following graduation from law school in 1967. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his service.

Michael and Euni met at a party before he went to Vietnam and they were married in 1970 when he returned from the war. They settled in Syracuse where she was from and began their life together. Mike started his law career, becoming partner in his own firm before combining forces with Bousquet Holstein to manage their bankruptcy arm. He served as director of development of Legal Services of CNY, was the former president of Temple Beth El, the former president of the JCC, and the former president of Syracuse Jewish Federation. He was the 2023 honoree of the Interfaith Leadership Award, and a member of the Round Table of Faith Leaders. Most notably, Michael was a proud supporter of the Syracuse Jewish community and devoted to revitalizing it.

Michael was devoted to his family~ his wife Euni (Cohn) Balanoff; their sons Jared (Stacie), Brian (Jamie), and Noah (Samantha); their grandchildren, Sarah, Jacob, Miriam, Lucy, Ellie, and Alex; and his brothers Gil (Shelly), and Glen (Kate). He was pre-deceased by his sister Joyce.

Funeral Services for Michael will be on Monday, September 23 at 10AM at Congregation Beth Sholom Chevra Shas. There will not be a visitation prior to the service. Burial will be in the Beth Sholom section of Oakwood Cemetery.

The service will be live streamed at: https://cbscs.zoom.us/j/85473822816?pwd=PaIl472wqK34DuxKr00Qkj0MtkVoLP.1 (Meeting ID: 854 7382 2816 Passcode: 730774)

Shiva will be observed at the family home on Monday from 7-9, Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9.

Contributions in his memory may be made to Syracuse Jewish Federation, or Congregation Beth Sholom Chevra Shas.