WALLINGFORD - Charles "Chuck" Balassa, 67, of Killingworth, cherished companion of Bonnie (Gattilia) Stec, departed this life on Saturday, March 23, 2013 unexpectedly. Chuck was born on July 23, 1945 son of the late Frank Gabriel Balassa and Bernice (Wiener) Balassa. He was employed with Canberra Industries, Coleco, and most recently with the Wallingford Public Schools at E. C. Stevens Elementary. His lifelong passion and personal work of art has been the home built with his own two hands, from clearing the land, masonry, to fine carpenter work through the years he worked to replicate a 1600's home originally built in Deerfield, MA. He was passionate about music and cars, and loved to share his wisdom and tell his stories. Chuck always made time to listen and offer advice to anyone he came in contact with. He will be deeply missed by his longtime companion, Bonnie Gattilia Stec and her three children who Chuck thought of as his own: Derrick, Dean, and Carly Stec all of Wallingford. Relatives and friends are invited to an evening of visiting and sharing from 4 - 7 PM on Wednesday, March 27th at the B. C. Bailey Funeral Home, 273 S. Elm Street, Wallingford. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be directed to the charity of one's choice.