Local businessman Armando Balocco, who died on January 15 at the age of 94, will always be remembered as a father figure to all who knew him.
Born on September 17, 1929, he established Delba Electrical in Nuffield with a friend in 1963. According to sales manager Dirk van Vuuren, Balocco was more than an employer; he was a mentor to everyone.
“Whenever he appointed someone, he would always say ‘welcome to the family’,” he said.
Balocco was known as an industry leader and a visionary who was always at the forefront of new technology and solutions for the electrical rotating machines industry in South Africa.
“He considered Delba employees as the company’s biggest asset and was admired as both a mentor and father to all who had the privilege of working with him.
“Expecting only the best from all around him, he was determined in his quest to provide unrivalled customer service and establish a world-leading electric motor and generator repair facility,” added Van Vuuren.
When he was not working, Balocco would indulge in other business ventures and farming. He is survived by three children, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
