Northeast Conference Assistant Director of Communications Balut Passes Away
Born in Edison, NJ, the 32-year old, known for his energy and passion for his work, began his tenure with the NEC in November, 2003. He was the league's media contact for football, women's basketball and softball, organized numerous championships and played a key role in the relaunch of the conference website.
Bob's long history with the NEC included a six-year stint at Wagner College, including four as the school's Sports Information Director from 1999-03. He created the Seahawk Broadcasting Network, which streamed Wagners first-ever Internet broadcasts for football, basketball and baseball. In addition, Bob served on the Wagner Athletic Hall of Fame and the Seahawk Golf Classic committees and had a two-year stint as the Chair of the NEC Sports Information Directors committee.
Bob also worked as a media relations assistant at the University of Massachusetts in 1997 and began his career as an undergraduate assistant at the University of South Carolina, where he served as baseball contact for two seasons (1996-97). He won a CoSIDA/Baseball Writers Association "Best In The Nation" award for his 1997 baseball media guide.
Bob graduated from South Carolina, where he holds a bachelor of science degree in Sport Administration, in 1997.
One of Bob's greatest passions was rooting for Rutgers football. A diehard fan since childhood, he basked in the glow of the team's success this past season. He was also a huge fan of the New York Mets and New York Giants.
Bob's dedication, loyalty, creativity, sense of humor and character were well known among those within his profession. He will be sorely missed by his family, friends, colleagues and all who had a chance to meet him.
Bob is survived by his wife, Erica and their son, Aidan Robert, who will turn two years old on March 27th.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, March 8, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. at the Mount Laurel Home for Funerals, 212 Ark Rd., Mount Laurel (609-234-6900).
The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 9, at St. John Neumann R.C. Church, 560 Walton Ave. (856-235-1330), Mount Laurel. Interment will follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in his honor to:
Aidan Robert Balut Scholarship Fund:
c/o PNC Bank,
Church and Greentree Road,
Marlton, N.J. 08053