2026 Obit: Rich Bala

Subject: RE: 2026 Obit: Rich Bala
From: Joe Offer
Date: 14 Feb 26 - 04:29 AM

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 Journal

Same obituary is at https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/timesunion-albany/name/richard-bala-obituary?id=60788340

Rich's Mudcat name was barefootboy

Subject: Obit: Rich Bala
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Feb 26 - 07:16 PM

From Cathy Bala on Facebook -
It is with great sadness that I share with you the passing of my husband, Rich Bala, on February 12th in Saratoga Springs, NY, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. He will be missed by family and friends alike.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit Applebee Funeral Home, Delmar, NY, from 2:00-5:00pm on Sunday, February 15th. More information will be posted soon at applebeefuneralhome.com