from https://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/obituaries/pnys1409555
Richard "Rich" Bala, 74, passed away on Thursday, February 12th, at Saratoga Hospital, Saratoga Springs, NY, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, he moved to the Mid-Hudson valley during his college years and was a resident of Dutchess County for over 50 years. Rich was a musician who performed songs about the history of New York State and the Hudson River Valley at schools, festivals, historic sites, museums, and community events throughout the Northeast. He released 6 recordings, including two solo works, two as a member of "The Barefoot Boys", and two award-winning albums with Jonathan Kruk as the "Hudson River Ramblers".
Rich is survived by his loving wife, Catherine Bala, of Latham, NY; daughter Rachel Mickle and husband John Mickle, of Delmar, NY; daughter Stacey Bala and fiance Eric Morphy of Raleigh, NC; sister Carol Castellano, of Brewster, NY; and grandchildren Charlie and Rowan Mickle.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit Applebee Funeral Home, Delmar, NY, from 2:00-5:00pm on Sunday, February 15th. Attendees are encouraged to celebrate his life by sharing their favorite remembrances of Rich.
Rich was well-known in his later years for his insistence that gifts to him be in the form of donations to charity. In keeping with his wishes, please consider a donation to the charity of one's choice.
A full obituary and condolence page is available at applebeefuneralhome.com.
Posted online on February 13, 2026
Published in Poughkeepsie JournalSame obituary is at https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/timesunion-albany/name/richard-bala-obituary?id=60788340
Rich's Mudcat name was barefootboy