BALEN - Mark L. (October 9, 1934 - August 25, 2024)Beloved husband for 61 years of the late Helen (nee Przewlocki) Balen; loving father of Mark and Alan (Tracy) Balen; cherished grandfather "Bud" of Michael (Anna), Matthew and Benjamin; great-grandfather of Carson and Brooks; dear brother of Thomas (late Linda) Balen and the late Stephen (late Winifred) Balen, Marie (late Frank) Strong, Lucille Wagoner and Brenden (Julie) Balen; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends may call Tuesday, September 3, 2024 from 4-8 PM at the CUSACK FUNERAL HOME, 873 Abbott Rd., South Buffalo, NY, (716) 828-1846 (same location as Castiglia Funeral Home, Inc.) and are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Victory Basilica, 767 Ridge Rd., Lackawanna, NY, on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at 10 AM. (Please assemble at church). Mark was a graduate of Niagara University and former Principal, Superintendent and Mayor in Lackawanna, NY. Flowers are gratefully declined, in lieu of, expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in his name.