Adam Balawejder, 40, of Pittsburgh, died unexpectedly of natural causes at his home on July 24, 2025.

Adam used to joke that he only expected to live until his 40th birthday, and that any time after that was a bonus. He exceeded his own estimate by exactly nine months. No one ever found this joke particularly funny, but as usual, Adam got the last laugh.

Born in Springdale on October 24, 1984, Adam attended St. Alphonsus elementary school, which felt more like an extended family than a classroom in the early years of his life. He later attended St. Scholastica in Aspinwall, and then St. Joseph's High School in Natrona Heights. A charismatic and occasional troublemaker, Adam's charm, humor, and genuine kindness always won people over–teachers, classmates, and life-long friends alike.

Adam worked as an electrical engineer at Curtiss-Wright-EMD for nearly 20 years after earning his undergraduate (2007) and master's (2009) degrees from the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering. He had a mind for math and a talent for solving complex problems, though little patience for the mundane. He thrived when he was bouncing from one project to the next and took immense pride in mentoring junior engineers. For more than a decade he taught a first-year engineering class as an adjunct professor at Pitt.

Adam was passionate about discovering new music and could be found at a concert several nights a week. In 2024, he set a goal of seeing 100 concerts in one year, but he blew right past that, seeing a total of 142 shows. He preferred standing in the back of the crowd, taking in the energy of the show. On the first of every month, he made a new playlist and sent it to friends, blending newly discovered artists with longtime favorites.

In the words of one of his favorite musicians, Adam lived life at "90 miles an hour (no brakes, all gas.)" He ran eight miles after work most days. He was somehow a regular at many of Pittsburgh's bars–Jack's, Bottlerocket, Gooski's, Kelly's, and plenty more–always striking up a new conversation and tipping generously.

Adam was meticulous about his lawn, his car, his coffee, and his house. He thrived on routine. He was a great addition to any karaoke group. He was just learning to love to travel.

Above all, Adam accepted people as they were, and hoped others would do the same. He didn't ask much of people but was always there if you needed him.

Adam is survived by his father, Bruce Balawejder; his sister, Emily Balawejder; and his partner, Laura Palmer. He was preceded in death by his mother, Lorraine Balawejder.

Celebrating the Life of Adam Balawejder

We invite you to join us in remembering and celebrating Adam in the ways that feel most like him:

Sunday, August 10

Hartwood Acres Concert Series

Friends and family are welcome to gather at Hartwood Acres for an evening together during the Allegheny County Concert Series. The show is free and open to the public. No tickets are required. Doors open at 3:00 PM, and the show begins at 7:30 PM, featuring KT Tunstall. Please feel free to bring your own picnic, come and go as you wish, and join us for any part of the afternoon or evening. Food trucks will be available. This will be a relaxed opportunity to be together, share stories, and enjoy the kind of Sunday night that Adam loved. ( https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Parks-and-Events/Special-Events/Summer-Concerts-Series )

Monday, August 11

A Mass of Christian Burial & Reception

A Mass of Christian Burial and reception will be held on Monday, August 11, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Divine Mercy Parish – St. Stanislaus Church, 57 21st Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. We invite you to explore nearby eateries after the service; Adam frequented many of them.

Private interment will follow at Deer Creek Cemetery, where Adam will be laid to rest beside his mother, Lorraine.

Friday, August 15

Celebration of Life at Club Café

We will gather at Club Café—one of Adam's favorite places—for an evening celebration of his life. We could think of no better venue to raise a glass, share some music, and remember Adam in the spirit of community, music, and love. Details for this Celebration of Life will be forthcoming.

In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to 91.3 WYEP, Pittsburgh's independent music source.

Services entrusted to the BURKET-TRUBY FUNERAL HOME CREMATION AND ALTERNATIVE SERVICES, INC., Oakmont.