Biography: John Ballard was born in New York City (Harlem Hospital) on January 1st, 1934 to Ella Ballard and Joseph Morris. John grew up in Harlem, New York before the family relocated to Lower Manhattan (Franklin Plaza), he was the fifth of seven children.
John completed his education in the New York City School System. As a young adult, following in his parent’s and sibling’s footsteps, John obtained employment in the New York City Health & Hospitals Corporation, where he work at Lincoln Hospital for 18 years. John was a staple in his community & Lincoln Hospital where he made many friends. John was affectionately known to his Family & Friends as “Skank”. John loved to host celebrations of all kinds, Bus Rides & Picnics, were his favorite, as well as playing domino’s and cards, he also loved watching Westerns & Wrestling. John had a passion for reptile’s, having several birds (Parakeets) and turtles. He was also known as the dancer of our family and a dapper dresser.
John’s health began to decline in 2007, shortly after, he entered into Northern Manhattan Rehabilitation & Nursing Center. John loved his NMRNC Family, lovingly claiming many nurses and caregivers as his wife. Throughout his life, John had many friends and loved everyone he came in contact with, to know John was to love him. He had such a big heart and even bigger personality, although his health had been failing, he never complained. John went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 23rd, 2018 at Harlem Hospital, where he was cared for by a very dedicated and compassionate team of doctors and nurses, as he transitioned to Heaven peacefully.
John is preceded in death by: his parents, Ella and Joseph, siblings; Johnny, Alfred Sr. (Sonny), Eloise (Polly), Richard and Reginald, two half sisters, Mary Carpenter and Delores Bright; sisters in-law, Rosa Ballard (Alfred Sr.) and Delores Ballard (Reginald); brother in-law, Roland W. Martin (Polly); nephews, Alfred Jr., Vaughn Ballard, Wilson Price and niece, Mildred Ballard Price (Millie).
Those left to cherish his memory: Brother, Leroy J. Ballard; Sister In-law, Ivy Ballard; Nieces, Beverly and Regina Ballard, Darlene and Adrienne Martin, Peggy (Ballard) Joseph, Deanna Gravillis (Kenny). Sharicka Glassco; Nephews, Daniel Ballard, Kwame Ballard, Antione and Taurean Price, and a host of Great Grand Nieces and Nephew’s.
Rest dear John for your fight has concluded, your battle is done.
