Bryn Mawr, PA – Jerome Roy Balka, a distinguished Philadelphia attorney known for his compassionate advocacy on behalf of street vendors and his enthusiastic civic involvement, passed away at his home in Bryn Mawr on October 10. He was 95. His death, caused by pneumonitis, marked the end of a remarkable life dedicated to both the betterment of his community and the support of the underdog.
Balka, a Philadelphia native, graduated from Central High School before earning a history degree from Temple University and a law degree from the institution currently known as the University of Pennsylvania’s Carey Law School. Throughout the 1980s and ’90s, he became a prominent figure for the rights of street vendors as the legal representative for the 3,000-member United Vendors of Philadelphia. This role was deeply personal for Balka, whose father and uncle were former street vendors themselves, having started their American journey selling fruit from a cart in South Philadelphia.
His career included a tenure as an assistant district attorney in the late 1950s and extensive experience handling diverse legal matters including real estate, estate planning, and serving as the general counsel for Prudential Savings Bank for decades. Balka also held leadership roles at Dixico Inc. in the 1980s, weaving a broad tapestry of contributions across the legal landscape of Philadelphia.
As an advocate for street vendors, Balka found himself at the center of fractious negotiations concerning city regulations in the early 1990s. With the Chamber of Commerce pushing to tighten restrictions on vendors, Balka championed the vendors’ cause, even organizing a city-wide “day without street vendors” to underscore their importance to the local economy and community fabric. His empathy was not just professional; Balka was known to personally frequent food carts, sharing meals and conversations with the vendors.
Beyond his legal practice, Balka had a rich life filled with community engagement. He proudly served as president of the West Mount Airy Neighbors Association, actively participating in the Democratic Party, and initiating community-integration efforts during the civil rights movement. His commitment to social justice was lifelong, having enrolled in courses on critical race theory recently and consistently championing civil and women’s rights throughout his career.
An ardent outdoorsman, Balka’s love for nature was evident in his avid hiking and volunteering with local park initiatives. His personal life was anchored by strong familial bonds: married to Arleen Berg since 1953, the couple raised three children and enjoyed the companionship of six grandchildren. A beloved community figure, Balka never wavered in his dedication to his fraternity, Pi Lambda Phi, where he was celebrated for over seven decades of active involvement and where a local chapter award was named in his honor.
His legal and community legacy, enriched by his passion for mentoring young people and advocating for a fairer society, leaves behind a formidable imprint on Philadelphia. Mr. Balka is survived by his wife, Arleen, his children, six grandchildren, a sister, and other relatives. A private funeral service was held in October.
Donations in his memory can be directed to the Philadelphia chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union and Friends of the Wissahickon, both of which align with his lifelong commitment to civil liberties and the conservation of natural spaces.
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