Gary Balogh is a Beachwood resident and long time employee of Jack’s Deli in University Heights. If you have ever dined at the deli, no doubt you were greeted by a tall, smiling, gracious man – that man was Gary.
He isn’t there anymore.
The reason – in March Gary was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma which has left him unable to work. He is currently undergoing treatment but it will be a long while before he will be able to return to work. Gary is married to Jo-Ellen, a Beachwood graduate, who is active in both school and community affairs. Jo-Ellen and Gary are parents to Elijah. Elijah, in addition to being a student at Beachwood Middle School, is a musician, an active volunteer and avid tennis player.
This blog, the June Benefit, and the Balogh Family Fund were created by friends of Jo-Ellen and Gary. It is our sincere hope that you will join us in giving generously to assist the Balogh Family through this journey.
IN THE NEWS
Friends Plan Benefit, Sun Press
Cleveland Jewish News, May 31, 2008, Events Around Town
Beachwood Buzz
Nosh On This, the blog and website, was created and is managed by the Friends of the Balogh Family. We will update it with news about Gary, Jo-Ellen and Elijah.
Please feel free to leave a comment of message for Gary, Jo-Ellen or Elijah.
Comments may be edited for length or content.
Check back often.
May 15, 2008 at 4:16 pm
We are so proud that the Balogh family’s friends have reached out to help. Suburban Temple-Kol Ami is working with the friends and hopes you will support this important work.
May 25, 2008 at 1:53 pm
I am Jo-Ellen’s sister and Gary Balogh has been my delightful brother-in-law for many years. Gary has always lived his life with a quiet dignity. He has never felt the need to call attention to himself or to the daily kindnesses he bestows upon others. Rather, I have observed over the years a man who practices the Golden Rule on a daily basis. He makes a point to get to know EVERYONE who crosses his path and addresses every individual with the kindness and dignity that he likes to be treated with. He learns their names, asks about themselves and their families, and truly cares about others. He is (and always has been) one of the kindest, most caring individuals I have been blessed to know. He loves his family above all else and has spent his adult life working long hours to provide for them. He is a man who finds pleasure and joy in the simplest of moments. He asks for little. In short, he is a most remarkable human being (although he doesn’t see himself as such). Everyones’ prayers and wishes mean the world to him and keep him going. I don’t think he had a clue how much he has touched others. Please continue to send your wishes to him. He has a long, difficult road ahead but he is a real fighter and is going to come out the other side of this disease.
July 10, 2008 at 8:22 am
I just found out about Gary’s fight. We bowled together for years, and I would see him at Jack’s. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time.
July 20, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Dear Balogh family,
I was just at Jack’s Deli on my most recent visit to Cleveland and missed Gary’s smiling face. Hopefully he will be back by our next visit. We are sending lots of prayers and good wishes your way.
Bonnie and Larry Chizek
Sherman Oaks, CA.
August 22, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Dear Gary,
I just learned of your illness and want you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts and in my prayers. Having read the updates from Jo-Ellen and the comments from family and friends, it sounds like you are fighting this with everything you have. That doesn’t surprise me in the least; this cancer should know it doesn’t have a chance of beating you! Keep fighting and keep your spirits as high as I remember them always being.
September 16, 2008 at 9:43 pm
joellen..
i hope gary is doing well.. i just heard about what is going on with you. i know you are a strong family.. i also can’t belive how old elijah is.. hope things are well
heather levey
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