I'VE BEEN HELPING SENIORS FOR 40+ YEARS.
I HAVE SEEN MANY LOSE THEIR DIGNITY AND HUMOR AND HAVE WITNESSED MANY LOSE THE SUPPORT OF THEIR LOVED ONES.

I STAND HERE TODAY TO PAY MY RESPECTS TO NOT ONLY A REMARKABLE HUMAN BEING BUT ALSO TO THE FAMILY. THE FAMILY WHO LOVED, HONORED AND CHERISHED THEIR DAD.

THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO BE A PART OF THIS SPECIAL BOND. MR “B” WAS REMARKABLE. HIS HUMOR WAS UNDESCRIBABLE, HIS LOVE OF LIFE WAS UNMEASURABLE. HE TRULY KNEW THE NOTES OF MUSIC – THE SONG OF LIVING.

I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HIM. HE HAS GIVEN ME A SPECIAL GIFT – A GIFT I WILL TREASURE ALL MY LIFE. 

I MISS HIM BUT I KNOW HE IS PLAYING HIS SAXOPHONE FOR ALL THE ANGELS IN HEAVEN TO ENJOY.

SWEET DREAMS MR “B” AND SWEET MUSIC

A Farewell

Yesterday Joe would have turned 87 years old.  We chose to celebrate his life by gathering for a birthday party in his honor.  It was a gathering filled with family, good food, laughter, and of course, good music - enjoyed by people who loved him.
 
Throughout the evening, memories were shared, stories were told, and tears were shed - but most of all we rejoiced in the fact that this extraordinary man still lives on in our hearts.   He taught us to live our lives with a little bit of humor and a lot of love.  We see his influence reflected in his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends, and we are comforted.  
 
Joe was a devoted family man, a cherished friend, gentle caregiver, talented musician, great cook, skilled engineer and machinist, creative artist, mentor and teacher [he would always show us the right way to do things].  He encouraged us to always do the best we could and to continuously improve ourselves and our world.
 
Joe liked people and took a sincere interest in their lives.  He taught us by example to treat others with kindness and respect.  He could see the greatness in everyone - and everyone he met soon became his friend.  He always kept the door to his apartment slightly open.  He told us he wanted people to know they were welcome.  This is how he lived his life - with his arms always open.
 
Joe was many things to many people, but most of all he was a man who loved life. Some of his last words and thoughts were that "Every day is a gift" - words that he lived by.   He believed in God, and knew that as a child of God, he would have eternal life in Heaven. 
 
We would like to thank everyone here for coming to help us celebrate his life.  We believe we are better people for having known him.  
 
We love you - Rest in Peace.
 
Until we meet again……

We are very sorry to hear about your lose. Joe was a very loving and kind man. I know he is in heaven watching over all of us. 
Blessings,
T.C. & Patti Anderson
North Carloina

I really enjoyed working with Joe in Milw
at Baso Corp.We worked on many projects together. He was a very intelligent person and tool designer.He and Loeta visited our home many times. So sorry I was unable to be there for visitation.
Our sympathy to the entire family. Jim and Lory Dickson of Dousman, WI.

To the Balestrieri Family!   Joe will be missed by all who knew him.  I will miss him very much as I know how much all of his wonderful family will miss him.  I know how at Christmas time you all would Jam together.  Sharon G. (Stolpa) Worm  And Mark and Sharolynn Roche

I'm so sorry to hear about Joe. It was always a pleasure to see him walk in with his sax case. He had such joy in playing.  More than that , he was wonderful to talk to-- a fine man.

We will miss you Steven and Jessica Dompke

I was so sad to hear of Joe's passing. I loved it when he would bring his sax and sit in with me wherever I happened to be playing. He not only played tasty sax on the standards, he could hold his own with any of the 'kids' on pop tunes. And on top of it all, he was a great guy.

I miss you you were such a good man at heart and always fun to talk to. You always put a smile on my face. I take comfort in knowing a guardian angel is watching over me.

Followed Joseph in the early years.We have lost a person who truely enjoyed the saxophone and will be missed by all who knew him.

02.24.11

We remember the Sunday Joe got to play his clarinet with the Basilica of St. Josaphat Choir (a long–time dream of his).  Joe played “Just A Closer Walk With Thee” one Sunday.  Congregation members could hear only his licorice stick (clarinet) render a special treat to our God.  We could only close our eyes and picture walking along with “ONLY JESUS”.  Close your eyes…and listen.  That’s Joe……

Beneta & Alvin Dompke
West Allis, WI  U.S.A.

I will miss Joe, "South Milwaukee's oldest teenager". It was a joy to see him come and sit in with my band. He loved to do all the Louie Prima songs.
His favorite song was "Body and Soul".
Sincerely
Tom Sorce

To the Balestrieri Family,

Joe was one of the GREATEST guys in the world!!! Here at Centrifugal Castings he was not only respected for his engineering talent, but admired for his upbeat view of life, his humor, and his unwavering loyalty and concern for all who he worked with here.  They just don't make them like you anymore Joe!!  God Bless You and may the angels welcome you to paradise.

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

The past two days I've been going through hundreds and hundreds...and hundreds...of photos and I have to say, you've led a very full life.  I am so very lucky to have had you as my Grampa.  I know that you're in heaven right now playing your sax.

I love you,
Jennifer

OBITUARY

Joseph Joe F Balestrieri

25 February, 1924 – 21 February, 2011

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