Irene Helen Del Balso

It is with tender hearts that the family of Irene Helen DelBalso (nee Stecina), age 91 of Wayne, NJ announced her crossing into heaven on Thursday, November 14, 2024, while receiving the loving care of her family. The family is comforted in knowing that Irene left this life to be reunited with her beloved husband Ron who passed four months prior.

Irene was born in McAdoo, Pennsylvania to George and Suzanne Stecina. She graduated from McAdoo High School with the Class of 1951.  

During her high school years Irene worked at the local 5 and 10 store for 25 cents an hour. She later worked for the Department of Defense in Harrisburg, PA as a secretary for a US Army Colonel.  During her time at the Department of Defense she was part of the Civil Defense having to identify and document planes as they flew overhead.  Over the years she worked as a secretary for Dell Publishing, Hoffman La-Roche Corporation, and the Prudential Corporation. She was employed as the clerk for the Board of Elections with Passaic County. For several years she worked at the family business, Dell Disposal and one of the trucks was named Irene in her honor. Irene and Ron later started and co-owned another family business, Wayne Dinettes which was established for close to 50 years.

Irene met the love of her life, Ron DelBalso, in the 10th grade at the McAdoo High School in McAdoo, PA.  They officially began dating when Ron spied Irene at a party. Irene had been taken to the party as another man’s date, but Ron stepped in and told the gentleman: “I’m taking her home.” Ron’s proposal consisted of him saying they were going to marry.  Irene agreed and Ron then approached her father asking for his daughter’s hand in marriage.  Her father agreed and they married on July 21, 1951, at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in McAdoo, PA.  Their honeymoon got off to a rocky start as they tried to book a room at a hotel in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania but were not allowed to book the room as they didn’t have their Wedding License to validate that they were a couple.  Ron’s brother Joe “Dody” came to the rescue and drove the Marriage License out to the Pocono’s for them.  After one night in Pennsylvania, they went on their honeymoon to Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Their 73 years of marriage was blessed with eight children and the continuous loving tradition of holding each-other’s hands.

Aside from working and raising eight children she was involved as a Class Mother at Our Lady of the Valley Church’s School in Wayne, was a Den Mother for the Cub Scouts, Pack 108 in Wayne.  She was also very involved with the Ladies Auxiliary of the Wayne Elks Lodge 2181. Irene was unwavering in her support for Ron doing whatever she could to ensure his success in his many community endeavors:  building Elk floats, decorating for dances, sewing costumes, and critiquing his speeches.

Irene was a last minute class cupcake maker, an up all night homework typer for reports due the next day, a costume and cheerleading uniform sewer, a snow igloo builder, a skier, a class instructor for Slovakian dance, a sleigh rider, a project maker, a spoiler of her grandchildren & great grandchildren, and the best Mom in the world. Irene loved to host company in her home: friends, neighbors, relatives and especially her children’s friends were always welcome. She could whip up a feast at the last moment and never let anyone leave hungry. Irene was the architect of countless beloved traditions that will continue to serve as cherished memories and the foundation of our family’s identity.

Irene was a woman of incredibly strong Catholic faith, and a longstanding member of Our Lady of the Valley Church in Wayne.  She had a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother and was head of the Rosary Society. For many years she helped organize Bingo, the New Year’s Eve, and costume dances at the church.  She and her husband Ron helped organize the first several church Bazar’s which eventually became the church carnival.

Irene enjoyed going to the casinos, she was the queen of the slot machines. She was a card shark who loved to play cards everyday with whomever stopped by. Irene loved to do all sorts of word games and puzzles. She often had a puzzle started on the dining room table where everyone who passed by could put in a piece or two.

Irene had a nurturing spirit. With her amazing green thumb, she would often take anyone’s dying plants and revive them. She would tenderly care for injured and sick animals. Of the countless pets and grand-pets in her life, each of her furry companions held a special place in her heart, and she treated them as family, spoiling them with affection and care.

Throughout her life Irene showed us through her words and actions that “Family always comes first.” There aren't words to describe the gratitude we have for all she was in our lives. Irene will be remembered for her compassion, warmth, generosity, kindness, and her unwavering love for her family. She created a sense of peace wherever she went. Irene’s spirit will live on in the heart of all that were fortunate enough to know her. Irene’s legacy is love, generosity, strength and joy.

Irene was predeceased by her husband Ron DelBalso. They were blessed with 8 children: Ronald Del Balso Jr. & wife Jill, Beverly Jerger & husband Richie, Lois Van Lenten & husband Jack, Michael Del Balso & wife Mary, George Del Balso, Danny Del Balso & wife Nancy, Jan Lewinsohn & husband Larry, Alison Del Balso.

Irene was the cherished grandmother of: David Van Lenten & wife Kathryn, Michael Van Lenten & wife Gabriela, Matthew Lewinsohn & Kaitlyn, Shawn Van Lenten, Michelle Lewinsohn, Devyn Del Balso & Erich, Connor Del Balso & Brianna, Kyle Del Balso, Tyler Andreas, Ryan Tighe, Jake Andreas, Robbie Tighe, Shannon Tighe, Arthur Newcombe & wife Carla, Joey Newcombe, Dustin Newcombe & wife Naizsha, Rick Jerger (deceased) & wife Terri, Tammy Fabela & husband Jammie, Eddie Horn & wife Heather, Arron Poole, Athan Santa Cruz, Andreas Santa Cruz.

She was the devoted great grandmother to: Madison Van Lenten, Mae Van Lenten, Kristian Van Lenten, Lily Van Lenten, Declan Van Lenten, Penelope Newcombe, Lucianna Newcombe, August Newcombe, Rick Jerger & Gabby, Scottie Bosma & wife Jackie, Shane Bosma & wife Caitlyn, Trever Fabela, Jammie Fabela & wife Brianne, Noah Olm, Ethan Horn, Alexander Cengi.

And the adored Great Great Grandmother of: Holten Bosma, Trent Bosma, Dayton Reilly, Paisley Fabela, Zayne Fabela.

Predeceased by her siblings Mary Wasko, John Stecina, Susan Prokopovich, Anne Zachok, and Margaret Mattie.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital would be greatly appreciated.