Eric William Balzer, age 82, of Vermilion, passed away peacefully at his home with his wife and family by his side on Monday, August 26, 2024.  He was born in Marion, to William and Alma "Rose" (Orsini) Balzer on June 3, 1942.  Eric grew up in Birmingham, then moved to Avon Lake.  Throughout high school, he was a varsity wrestler and district qualifier. Eric joined the Navy is 1959, serving as a Naval Airedale and performing shore patrol.  While serving in Iceland, he developed a taste for Scotch. In 1964, he met the love of his life on a blind date.  He married Linda Lee Stammitti three months later on November 14, 1964. Eric worked at Ford Motor Company, Luxair, and Buckeye Sheetmetal, and became a journeyman tinsmith.  He started Orsini Heating and Air Conditioning in 1974 and in 1978, founded Energy 1 Heating and Air Conditioning.  He had as many as 30 employees working with him at one time during his 28 years of ownership and operation.  On October 18, 1983, Eric was granted a patent for interior louvered solar panels, called Sun Succors, which provide a very effective and efficient means of utilizing solar energy for space heating. Eric loved fishing and boating.  He was hardcore when it came to fishing: if you got sick on the boat, too bad.  He wouldn't get off the lake until everyone reached their limit.  Eric was an avid golfer, and he really enjoyed playing craps and slots at casinos.  He enjoyed dancing the jitterbug with his wife anywhere, anytime.  And, his greatest passion was aggravating others! Most importantly, Eric was a man who greatly loved his wife and her family. Linda's siblings became his siblings.  They all loved him just like a brother, and the toddlers looked up to him like a father. Eric is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Linda L. (Stammitti) Balzer, son and daughter-in-law Eric "Boo" and Tammy Balzer of Amherst, daughter and son-in-law Shelly and Jerry Roelke of Lorain, grandchildren McKayla Balzer Jenkins (Joe), Amelia Balzer, Jason Roelke, and Erica Roelke; sisters Willa DeSmit and Helen Ginn; in-laws Pauline Eagle, Tish McMahon (John), Anne Fleming (Jack), Carol Lottig, Richard Stammitti (Phyllis), and Phil Stammitti (Mary Jo); and several nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. Eric was preceded in death by his grandson, Eric Jordan Balzer, brothers Larry Balzer and John Balzer, and brother-in-laws Al Stammitti and Mike Stammitti. Linda and the family sincerely thank Mercy New Life Hospice nurse, Jillian, and nurses aide, Joy, for their kindness, guidance, and compassion during Eric's transition from his earthly life to his eternal life with our Heavenly Father. Visitation will be at Garland-Misencik Funeral Home, 851 Park Avenue, Amherst on Friday, August 30, 2024 from 4-8 p.m.  Funeral services will be private.