Richard "Dick" Balling

Richard “Dick” Balling, age 83, passed away on March 23, 2026. Born on April 18, 1942, Dick lived a full and remarkable life defined by curiosity, hard work, and a wide range of passions that left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

Dick was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 48 years, Sarah Balling, his high school sweetheart who passed away in 2014, his parents, Edward and Barbara Balling; and his nephew, Frank Tunney. He is survived by his loving wife, Anne Castle-Balling; his sister, Leslae Southard, and her husband, Bruce; and his niece, Alanea and nephew Michael Spath.

For more than five decades, Dick was the proud owner of House of Balance, a highly specialized business he built and led for 54 years. A true expert in his field, he dedicated his career to solving complex vibration issues in rotating equipment—ranging from high-performance race car engines to critical industrial machinery. His work was not just a profession, but a passion, and he took great pride in the relationships he built along the way. To Dick, his employees were never just coworkers—they were family.

Beyond his business, Dick’s interests reflected his deep appreciation for the world around him. He had a love for waterfront living, spending time immersed in nature, and pursuing the outdoors whenever he could. His entrepreneurial spirit extended into the waters of the Little Choptank River, where he founded Stump Cove Oyster Company. In partnership with the University of Maryland’s Horne Point Laboratory, he helped advance oyster aquaculture, combining innovation with his appreciation for the natural environment.

Dick also had a deep and genuine love for animals, especially his beloved Labrador retrievers, Sam and Toto, who were constant companions and brought him great joy over the years. His home was never complete without them by his side. He was equally fond of his talking bird, Scotty, whose personality and presence added laughter and life to his days.

Dick will be remembered as a man of many passions—an entrepreneur, a problem-solver, a steward of the outdoors, and an animal lover whose life was filled with purpose, curiosity, and heart. His legacy lives on in the businesses he built, the people he mentored, and the family and friends who will carry his memory forward.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2026 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Newcomb and Collins Funeral Home, 308 High St., Cambridge, MD.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026 beginning 10 a.m. at St. John’s Chapel, 1213 Hudson Road, Cambridge, MD 21613 with Rev. Dan Dunlap officiating.  Burial will follow in the adjacent church cemetery.

A time of food and fellowship will follow the service at the Neck District Vol. Fire Company, 954 Cooks Point Road, Cambridge, MD beginning 12:00 noon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to the Parkinson’s Foundation and to Animal Welfare Organizations, reflecting his deep compassion for both people and animals.