A well-traveled life

This online memorial was created in loving memory of William "Bill" Balsamo, whose life story is told throughout this memorial website. Whether it was through his enthusiastic teaching in New York or Japan, his charity work in Asia and Africa, or his good natured agreement to give us the occasional treat of hearing him sing some selections from his beloved operas, Bill Balsamo impacted people's lives. Aya and I first met Bill when I was an exchange teacher in Himeji, Japan, back in 1993. After we returned to the US to continue graduate studies, Bill stayed in touch and, when we returned to Japan in the summer of 2000, our friendship continued and deepened. We were honored to be with him on the very first Teachers Helping Teachers program in Dhaka, Bangladesh, back in March of 2005, and have been active in that, and many other Bill "Projects." He was a good friend, an excellent mentor, and very much an inspiration. We have set up and sponsored this memorial website to allow us, and others, to celebrate Bill Balsamo's life and works. Please sign Bill's guestbook. It is one way we have set up for people who want to reflect on his life and share how he inspired them.

Bill's charity work was multifaceted and spanned the globe, everything from buildings and foundations, orphanages and clinics, to sponsoring individual students so that they could attend school.  The Casa Anna Orphanage in Dhaka, Bangladesh was one of Bill's first building and foundation "Projects."

Bill was an educator, traveler, guide, and friend.  He will be missed, but his legacy will continue to give the world just a little bit more light.