LACEY — The community is rallying around the family of Tristan M. Baluski, a 17-year-old Lacey Township High School senior who died at his Forked River home on November 15.
A GoFundMe campaign, launched with the family’s permission, is helping cover funeral-related expenses. The Baluski family expressed deep gratitude for the support, saying they are thankful for every donation, message and prayer offered during this difficult time.
The family also announced that any remaining funds will go toward establishing a scholarship in Tristan’s name through the Ocean County Vocational Technical School, where he studied welding.
Baluski was a lifelong Forked River resident who split his school days between Lacey Township High School and OCVTS. He worked as a fabricator for Sea Machine in Bayville and attended St. Pius X Roman Catholic Church. Known for his love of the outdoors, he enjoyed off-road driving, snowboarding and riding his motorcycle. Family members said he brought entrepreneurial energy to his landscaping work, putting in long hours to fund his adventures.
He is survived by his father, Jay; stepmother, Toni; siblings Trevor, Taylor, Fae, Sadie and Jo-Anna; and many extended family members and friends. He was predeceased by his grandmother Jo-Ann and biological mother, Amber.
Community members can support the family through the GoFundMe and the forthcoming memorial scholarship.
