John “Kenny” Balkus of Holliston, formerly of Newton Upper Falls died on Saturday, November 19, 2005 at the Northeast Specialty Rehabilitation Hospital in Natick. He was 61 years old. Born in Milford, John grew up in Newton and was a graduate of Newton South High School in 1962 where he played varsity football for 2 years. For many years he worked on the Newton Election Commission with his late father, John Balkus. He received a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Business Administration from the University of Rhode Island in 1966. John was a member of the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity at URI. In 1968 he received his MBA from Boston University. For several years, John worked for Main Lafrenz as an accountant, first in New York and then in the branch office in Boston. He went on to work for the Sydney Schwartz CPA firm in Framingham for many years until he became a self employed accountant. John had many clients in Newton, Milford, Framingham,Holliston and the surrounding communities until the time of his death. The devoted son of Helen (Hoilo) of Newton Upper Falls and the late John Balkus, he was the loving father of Kimberley Balkus of Holliston, Sheri and her husband Keith Elwell of Ashland and Amy Balkus of Holliston. Dear and loving companion of Cheryl Cohen of Holliston and her children; Sandy Cohen of Framingham and Jonathan Cohen and his wife Karen of Franklin. Brother of Barbara Balkus Sgroi of Albany, NY and Karen Beall of Fontana, CA. Papa John to Jacob and Jared Cohen. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Funeral Services at the Lutheran Church of the Newton’s, 1310 Centre St. Newton Center on Tuesday Nov. 29th at 10:00 AM. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. Visiting hours at the Eaton Funeral Home 1351 Highland Ave Needham on Monday 4-8 PM. Interment Newton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Lutheran Church of the Newton’s, 1310 Centre St. Newton MA 02459 or to the charity of your choice.