Gerard "Jerry" Ballanco M.D.'s Obituary
Beloved father, grandfather, and friend, Gerard “Jerry” Ballanco, M.D. departed this life on August 25, 2022 at the age of 79. He grew up in Riverbend and attended Holy Name of Jesus, Jesuit High School, Loyola University, and LSU Medical School. He interned at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Denver then became an officer in the U.S. Army and served in Germany. He returned to New Orleans for a pediatric residency at Charity Hospital and then devoted his career to caring for children and their families. He was dedicated to all his patients, especially those with disabilities. Jerry believed everyone can achieve a life filled with meaning, purpose, and dignity. He was in the first class of board certified Behavioral and Developmental Pediatric specialists and, after thirty years with Rothschild Pediatrics and then Ochsner, opened a private practice on the Northshore treating exclusively children who needed special attention. After his retirement, he became a Master Gardener, grew vegetables and citrus, and he and his wife divided their time between their property in Folsom and a cabin on the edge of an Alaskan cliff. When he was first diagnosed with interstitial lung disease, he went to Knoxville and got outfitted with a special backpack in which he could carry two full sized oxygen tanks in order to continue hiking in Alaska and Canada. As his disease progressed, he transitioned to smaller tanks and a smaller pack. He continued to fish with his buddy Kenny, argue the nature of the universe with his lifelong friend CW, and build a greenhouse so he could grow tomatoes year round. He taught others how to graft citrus and grow vegetables and was particularly proud of his sesame seed plants. During the last months of his life, he planned a fall garden, listened alternately to Verdi and Creedence Clearwater Revival, and enjoyed a stream of visitors from near and far. “All in all,” he said of his illness, “this has been a positive experience, although I would have chosen a different positive experience.” Those he loved he loved without stint or qualification and devoted much time and effort attempting to save the world. Those who loved him will see him in the breeze rippling water, a speckled trout on the line, the sun rising over the marsh, wildflowers on the side of a mountain. Among those whose lives were changed by his bonhomie, bravery, persistence, and ability to overcome disappointment and loss are Jean, Gerard Jr., Katie, Travis, Laura, Jared, the two Amys, Steven, Lillie, Genevieve, William, Lucy, Caleb, Mason, Kai, Jackson, Liam, Addie, Grace, Reed, Elise, Jacob, and Woodrow.
A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held at the New Orleans Botanical Garden on Sunday March 19, 2023 at a time to be announced. In the meantime, those wishing to commemorate his memory may donate to the New Orleans Botanical Garden and send thoughts and wishes to [email protected].
E. J. Fielding Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please sign the online guestbook at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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