BALISTRIERI, FRANK Nov. 18, 1952 to Sept. 30, 2012 Frank Balistrieri, beloved husband, devoted son, brother and nephew, loyal and generous friend, passed away peacefully at home after a courageous batlle against brain cancer. Frank was born in San Diego to Maria and Anthony Balistrieri. He was preceded in death by his father, and leaves behind his wife Diane, mother Maria Hayes, stepfather Don Hayes, brothers Tony and Joe (Linda), stepbrothers and sisters Tom (Diana), Mark (Tina), and Lisa (Mark Clements), aunts Josephine Dia and Nina Mirabile, and many cousins and friends. After graduating from Hilltop High School in Chula Vista, Frank received his teaching credential from San Diego State University. In addition to his career in teaching, Frank's entrepreneurial "can do" spirit led him to become a real estate broker, general contractor and printing broker. Frank experienced life to its fullest. His passions included traveling, surfing and artistic endeavors with glass, metal, and wood. Frank gave back to his community by volunteering with Meals on Wheels and at Local Beach-Clean Up days. He was proud of his Italian heritage and family was very important to him. His proudest accomplishments were designing two homes and tending to his gardens. He will be missed by those who knew him and will always be remembered as a compassionate and loving soul. The Balistrieri famiIy expresses a special thank you to their caregiver Christina, for helping to make Frank's final days more comfortable. Please express your memories and adventures in the UT "Guestbook." A Celebration of Life will be held November 3rd. If you would like to attend the celebration, and/or share a story, please include your contact information in the UT "Guestbook"'. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made "In memory of Frank Balistrieri" to the National Brain Tumor Society, 124 Watertown St., Ste 2D, Watertown, MA 02472-2500;
www.braintumor.org
Debbie Seidel (Todd)
Frank and I went to Hazel Goes Cook Elementary and would walk to school together. We lived only 2 short blocks from each other. I used to call him "YOGI", after Yogi Bear, because he would do imitations of Yogi. Of course I developed a HUGE schoolgirl crush on Frank. Ever since childhood, Frank has always been the happiest, caring, positive person I have ever met. He has always been interested in what you were talking about, what you had been doing recently,etc. He cared so much about other people and was willing to do anything for his family and friends. I will always remember Frank with love and great admiration.
Plus...he always had great after reunion parties that lasted all night.