After a long, courageous battle with Batten Disease, Zachary Balog, 17, of Cranberry Township is now an angel in heaven. He was surrounded by his loving and devoted family at home as he peacefully went to heaven Sunday.

Zach was an inspiration to all and taught us what is really important in life. He is our hero and will be missed dearly. He was a pioneer in receiving experimental gene therapy replacement in 2004. Thank you Zach for a wonderful 17 years and for sharing your handsome smiles and blue eyes with us.

He was the beloved son of Steve and Susan (Ordy) Balog; caring brother of Joshua; devoted grandson of Rich and JoAnn Ordy and Mike and Margie Balog, both of Butler; and nephew of Doug and Sue Balog, Becky and Matt Puz, Karen and Dennis Reep, and Linda and Patrick Halloran. He is also survived by many loving cousins.

BALOG — Friends of Zachary Balog, who passed away Sunday, Aug. 4, 2013, will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the DEVLIN FUNERAL HOME, 2678 Rochester Road, Cranberry Township. A Mass of Christian burial will be in St. Ferdinand Church at 10 a.m. Thursday.Memorial donations may be made to Nathan's Battle Foundation to help find a cure for Batten Disease, www.nathansbattle.com.