William H. "Bill" Balog passed away at his home in the Avenel section of Woodbridge Township on Thursday, September 29, 2022 surrounded by his loving family.  He was 81 years old.

Born on November 27, 1940 in Perth Amboy to the late Alex and Jeanne Dee Balog, he was raised in Woodbridge and moved to Avenel 53 years ago.

He was a 1958 graduate of Woodbridge High School and served in the U.S. Army Reserve with the 78 ^th Lightning division as a cook.

Mr. Balog was a printer and Director of Safety, Security and Fire Prevention at Commerce Clearing House in Clark for 35 years, retiring in 1995.

He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Woodbridge for over 50 years where he served as an Elder, Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent; and was Scoutmaster of Troop 33, Cubmaster of Pack 133 and Cubmaster of Pack 144 at the First Presbyterian Church of Avenel.

Mr. Balog was a member of Woodbridge Fire Department for 6 years where he served as Lieutenant and Captain; and life member of the Avenel Fire Department for 29 years, serving as Chief in 1982.

He served as a Fire Investigator for Avenel Fire Department District #5 for 25 years, retiring in 2000; and served as a Fire Commissioner for 6 years. Mr. Balog was also a life member of both the Woodbridge and Avenel Exempt Fireman's Associations.

Bill was an avid NASCAR fan and loved antique cars, especially his '66 T-Bird and '34 Ford Sport Coupe. He was a member of the Blockbusters Car Club. The only thing he enjoyed more than cars was following the activities of his 5 grandchildren over the years.

Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Karen Nissen Balog; daughter, Kimberly Balog Robinson, and her husband, Brian, of Tampa, FL; son, Michael Balog, and his wife, Heather, of Avenel; grandchildren, Kyle, Nash and Dana Robinson of Tampa, FL, Ryan and Tara Balog of Avenel; and his sister in law, Claire Balog, of Edison. He was predeceased by his brother Robert Balog.

Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 9:45 a.m. from Costello-Koyen Funeral Home 399 Avenel Street, Avenel. A funeral service will follow at 10:30 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Woodbridge.  Cremation will be private. Visitation for family and friends will be on Monday evening from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of Flowers contributions to Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org) or Avenel Fire Department in Mr. Balog's memory would be greatly appreciated by his family.