Harold "Hal" Ballentine passed away at 5:40pm on November 15, 2018 at his home in Port Orange, Florida at the age of 88.  He passed away peacefully of heart failure in the comforting presence of his wife of 32 years, Carol, as well as his beloved dogs, Rudy and Riley.  Hal was a loving husband and father who always rose to the occasion when his family needed him most.  He will be dearly missed.
Hal was born on May 9, 1930 in Mineola, NY to Harold (Philip) and Helen Margaret (Schlicher) Ballentine.  The son of an educator, he moved several times as a child, including spending some of his happiest years in Saranac Lake, NY.  He attended Trinity School in New York City (1948) and Colgate University (1952).  Hal then spent two and a half years proudly serving his country in the U.S. Army entering active duty as a 2nd Lieutenant and earning a National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal and UN Service Ribbon.  Following an honorable discharge he began a career in finance with the New York Telephone Company (AT&T) in New York City before joining Southern New England Telephone Company in New Haven, Connecticut where he worked for 36 years.
Hal was an accomplished golfer with a handicap in the low to mid single digits who made more money than he lost.  He was a longtime fixture at the Madison Country Club in Madison, CT.  Hal and Carol moved to Spruce Creek Fly-In, Port Orange, Florida in 1998 to play golf year round and grow their family of beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.  While mornings were dedicated to a round of golf, it was a good bet that later in the day you would find him with a glass of Johnny Walker Black and a good piece of steak on the grill.
Hal is survived by his loving wife, Carol (Murphy) Ballentine;  his children, James Ballentine of Madison, CT, Dayle Ballentine of Bedford, MA and Roger Ballentine of Bethesda, MD;  their mother, Selma (Chace) Ballentine;  his grandchildren, Alex, Helen, David, William, Eliza and Grace;  his children-in-law's, Larry, Kelly, Miranda and Jennifer;  and many others who will miss a sometimes grumpy man with a heart as soft as pudding.
A Graveside Service will be held at 10:30am on Friday December 14, 2018 at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, 5525 US Highway 1, Mims, Florida.  Immediately following the Graveside Service the family wishes to invite all back to Hal and Carol's residence where the celebration of his life will continue.
Memorial Donations may be made in his memory to Sophie's Circle.
Condolences may be shared with the family here on our online guestbook.