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Vance T. Ballard

June 21, 1986 - March 17, 2023

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Obituary For Vance T. Ballard

Age 36, of Pittsburgh, passed away on Friday, March 17, 2023. Vance was born on June 21, 1986 in Utica, NY.

Son of Lorenzo and Lynn Ballard, he was raised in Remsen, NY and attended Remsen Schools. Vance was a quick learner and showed great aptitude in many areas. In high school, he excelled at basketball and was an accomplished trumpet player. From an early age, Vance loved being around people, both family and friends, and was loved by them in return. He made friends everywhere he went and was a natural at connecting people. He maintained many close and lasting relationships throughout his life. He loved and looked up to his younger brothers and they to him.

Vance especially enjoyed cooking great food, listening to and playing music, and going out on the town with friends. He loved the city of Pittsburgh. Vance always took great pride in his appearance and was the master of style and swag.

After high school, Vance was employed with the Mobile Solution in New Hartford, NY and Detroit area. He later worked as a sales representative for Verizon in New Hartford, NY before moving to Pittsburgh where he was employed by Jimmy Johns and Bachrach in management positions. Currently he was employed with PNC Bank as a treasury management officer.

Vance leaves behind his parents, Lorenzo Ballard (Sue) of Las Vegas, NV and Lynn Ballard of Remsen, NY; brothers, Dane Ballard of Charleston, SC and Spencer Ballard of McKinney, TX; several aunts, uncles, cousins, a nephew, two nieces, especially close friends, Jessey Neal, Warick Richardson, and Catherine Sullivan, as well as a multitude of dear friends.

A Celebration of Vance's Life will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at Immanuel Baptist Church, 9501 Weston Road, New Hartford, NY 13413, where visitation will be held from 3-5:30 p.m. with a service at 6:00 p.m. Funeral arrangements were handled by the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227. In lieu of flowers, donations in Vance's memory can be made to 100 Black Men of Pittsburgh, at www.pgh100bm.org.

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Condolences

  • March 31, 2023

    Denis Kozak

    Our heart ache. Many people have known you from when you were a little boy and have experienced your tremendous personality. You have blessed all of the people in your life's path. God bless the Ballard Family.

  • March 28, 2023

    Scott & Annette LaQuay

    Your kindness and smile will be felt infinitely. We will truly miss you. All our love and support to your family.

  • March 26, 2023

    Yelena Spadafora

    I am so deeply saddened by Vance's passing. He was always so kind, positive and passionate. My Deepest condolences to the family and his loved ones. Rest in Peace Vance.

  • March 26, 2023

    Yelena Spadafora

    I am so deeply saddened by Vance's passing. He was always so kind, positive and passionate. My Deepest condolences to the family and his loved ones. Rest in Peace Vance.

  • March 24, 2023

    Hannah Kinzelmann

    I'm heartbroken over learning about the passing of Vance. Our connection was short, but holds a very special place in my heart. He will always be the boy who knew, just KNEW, all he needed was 3 phone calls to steal my 15 yr old heart after we met at Immanuel Baptist. His bright, toothy smile is still one of my favorites to this very day. Reading memories here and on social media has been powerful. It is so clear that he was one of the most special humans in absolutely every stage of his life. Everyone was lucky to know him. I am so very sorry for your loss and I pray the knowledge of his impact and how deeply he was loved by so many brings you some semblance of peace. Holding you all close in my heart.

  • March 24, 2023

    Allen walker III

    I speek often of Vance to my boys. He was a good kid and grew to be a good man. I am sorry for your loss. I will always remember the joy he brought to any room. Sorry for your loss.

  • March 24, 2023

    Kelley McNeil

    May God help us all through this. I am deeply saddened. My thoughts and prayers goes out to the family. I am so sorry for your loss. He was my friend. Vance touched so many lives. He introduced me to some amazing people, made some of my closest friends through him. Living in a city with no family there, Vance always made me feel included and brought good people together with good times. He was easy to love and such a good friend. Gone too soon. I will cherish our memories. I'm gonna miss you.

  • March 24, 2023

    Jerrud Horstman

    Vance (DJ Tigga) and I were very good friends growing up. We both started out doing magic tricks together and it always seemed like a bit of a competition to see who could master the most difficult ones. I'll always remember the intense basketball games with played at his house with all our friends and all the fun times we had in school together. Vance was always so caring and generous, and he had a way of making everyone smile. A part of him has always been with me and I will never lose that. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts go out to all his friends and family. -Jerrud Horstman

  • March 23, 2023

    Matthew Merritt

    My thoughts, prayers and love go out to Lynn, Lorenzo, Dane and Spencer. I love you all. Vance was an amazing teammate through highschool and an even better friend throughout my entire adult life. I am truly going to miss him and his overflowing love, seemingly endless energy, and uplifting positivity. I am going to miss his laugh and his smile. I know Vance impacted so many people, as he had an incredibly broad network of friends. My condolences go out to you all. Love you brother. Until next time - Matthew Merritt

  • March 23, 2023

    Jammie Irizarry

    Vance was such an amazing person. I'm sure everyone can attest what a gracious gentleman he was. I really hope he felt the love of the so many lives he has touched. He would often visit me on the holidays and would always text or call to stay in touch. He will be missed so much. Love you Vance ❤️ Jammie

  • March 23, 2023

    Matt Calabrese

    Wow... I remember so much about Vance. I can't count how many times I spent over your house with Dane & Vance and little Spencer. Sledding down your hill in the backyard, there are just too many memories to count. Vance was a kind hearted amazing human and a true friend of mine. He will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to you Lynn, Lorenzo, Dane, Spencer and your family.

  • March 23, 2023

    Julie Acquaviva

    I'm so sorry to hear about Vance's untimely passing. I worked with him at Verizon Wireless. He was a good guy who was kind to everyone and he will be missed! My condolences to his family and friends.

  • March 23, 2023

    Daniel Sender

    My love and thoughts are with the Ballard family. Sending you healing prayers across the ocean. Daniel ❤️🙏🏼❤️

  • March 23, 2023

    Daniel Sender

    Dear Lynn, Zo, Dane and Spencer, I am deeply sorry to hear about the passing of Vance. Please accept my sincerest condolences during this difficult time. When I read the obituary this morning tears ran into my eyes and I cancelled all my meetings, sank into my chair and started staring out of the window. Vance and I didn't spend much time together, but even I can tell how special he was. I remember staying at your house in Remsen when we were around 12 years old. Vance asked me if I have heard about AND1 Mixtapes. When I told him that people are also watching the tapes in Germany - Vance immediately started to shine and smile from ear to ear and started showing me the moves he had learned from the tapes. We spent the whole afternoon and evening watching the tapes and had a blast together. I will never forget that day with your son and brother. My love and thoughts are with the whole family. Sending you healing prayers across the ocean. Daniel

  • March 23, 2023

    Jamie Payne Wilczek

    Vance was the most vibrant person I knew, and truly one of my favorite humans. I have SO MANY great memories with him that I will FOREVER cherish and hold dear to my heart.❤️ My condolences to the Ballard Family.

  • March 23, 2023

    Karen

    We have wonderful fond memories of Vance. My son Daniel, buddied up with the boys and Lorenzo in our Remsen vacation times. Our sincere condolences to the family and friends. 🥀 Sending prayers from Germany 🙏🏻 Karen and Daniel

  • March 22, 2023

    Julie Jones

    Full of sunshine and such a gentleman. Always helping people with a smile. Sooo sorry to hear of his passing. Love to everyone and in our thoughts and prayers.

  • March 22, 2023

    Ryan Taylor

    I am truly saddened to learn of Vance's passing. Im grateful to have shared many fond memories with Vance and mutual friends throughout our high school years. I send my love and condolences to the Ballard family. Rest in peace, Vance. Much love. -Ryan Taylor

  • March 22, 2023

    Sandra Taylor

    My deepest condolences to the Ballard family. I am so sorry to hear this very sad news. May God be with your family and help you through this terrible time. Sending my love to all of you. 🙏❤️ Sandy Taylor and family

  • March 22, 2023

    The Corelli family

    V, that'S we called him, from as soon as he came into our lives, he was family, the Corelli family adored him as well as all the boys. Love watching him grow up, play trumpet make us all smile and love on us. Loved loved loved watching him play basketball, he was so good! He will be missed more than words can even begin to explain. He leaves a huge hole in our hearts❤️

  • March 22, 2023

    Courtney Marie

    This hits home for many of us. We will truly miss you Vance. Prayers and heartfelt condolences to Mr. B, Lynn, Dane, and Spencer.

  • March 22, 2023

    Hana Hughes-Nutty

    The world lost an amazing person. Vance touched so many lives, anyone he came in contact with he impacted. Through band, and basketball/cheer season, to just hanging out, there was never a dull unhappy moment with Vance in your presence. The love he shared for his family, especially his brothers was like no other! He was destined to do great things in this world, and in the short time he was here made a bigger impact than imaginable. Sending so much love to his family. Vance will forever have a special place in so many hearts

  • March 22, 2023

    Lynda Mun Roco

    I am so sorry for your loss and so saddened by his passing. He truly did love life and was so loyal to all his friends. He will be dearly missed. Continued prayers for his family and friends. RIP V ❤️🙏🏼. -Lynda Mun Roco

  • March 22, 2023

    Susan King

    Deepest condolences to entire family in your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Vance at PNC and will always remember his warm smile as he greeted me and so many others with. May the wonderful memories you each cherish, carry you through this time of sorrow.

  • March 22, 2023

    Aaron Stokes

    I will be praying for The family. My life was Better because Vance crossed my path.

  • March 22, 2023

    Teresa Merritt

    So sorry to hear of Vance's passing. So young. He was a very good friend 9f our son Matt who grew up with Vance & went thru school with him playing sports and hanging out. Prayers are with the whole family, especially Lynn, Lorenzo, Dane & Spencer. Craig & Teresa