Louis M. Balk, former assistant executive director of the Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center & Hospital, died Jan. 12 at St. Agnes Hospital of complications after surgery. He was 88.
The son of Harry Balk, a bookbinder, and Lillian Balk, a homemaker, Louis Martin Balk was born and raised in East Baltimore.
He was a 1944 graduate of City College and enlisted in the Army in April 1945. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland, and a master's degree in social work from the University of Pennsylvania.
In 1956, Mr Balk went to work at what was then the Levindale. At the time of his retirement in 1988, he was assistant executive director.
A longtime resident of the city's Cross Country neighborhood, he was an active member and volunteer at Beth Tfiloh Congregation, and more recently at B'nai Israel Congregation.
Mr. Balk enjoyed shopping at flea markets, where he searched for art and antiques, family members said.
Services were held Jan. 14 at Sol Levinson & Bros. in Pikesville.
Mr. Balk is survived by his wife of 59 years, the former Thea Sachs, a social worker; a son, Jonathan D. Balk of Baltimore; a sister, Ida Gulin of Baltimore; and a nephew and niece.