Robert J. Balestieri Obituary

Robert J. Balestieri

March 9, 1952 - March 21, 2020
Melrose, Massachusetts

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79 West Foster Street
Melrose, MA 02176
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“Awesome friend and awesome boss. Spent 3 years, while in high school, working and learning from Robert and the entire family. Was treated like one of...Read More » ”
1 of 21 | Posted by: Arthur Trestin - Staten Island, NY

“On a whim, I just tried to call Village Fruit to wish my former boss Robert Balestieri a happy birthday as I have always remembered his birthday was...Read More » ”
2 of 21 | Posted by: Laura Holland - Eugene, OR

“A gentleman and a scholar. New him through the produce and loved being in his always pleasant company.Have pictures of him at my sons bris.He will be...Read More » ”
3 of 21 | Posted by: Alan Warner - Lynn, MA - Friend

“So sorry for your loss Bethany. I am sure your dad thought of you as his Angel on Earth and now you have an Angel in Heaven looking over you all the...Read More » ”
4 of 21 | Posted by: Rob Smetzer - Clear Spring, MD

“I went to grade school with Bob; a great guy way back then. We went to different high schools, but saw each other a few times after that. Still a...Read More » ”
5 of 21 | Posted by: Dan Durant - Melrose, MA - Friend

“Sorry to hear of your loss. Andrew if there is anything I can do please reach out to me. ”
6 of 21 | Posted by: Barry Kling

“To all of the Balestieri's... Thinking of you at this sad time. So sorry for your loss. ”
7 of 21 | Posted by: Janice Diana Burke - MA

“My cousin Robert was always smiling. I can remember when living downstairs from Robert's family on West Highland Ave and I would go upstairs and...Read More » ”
8 of 21 | Posted by: Philip Fortunato - North Andover, MA

“So sorry the loss of Robert. My condolences to your whole family. ”
9 of 21 | Posted by: Donna Giacalone - Melrose, MA

“I graduated with Bobbie. He and my brother, Tom, were good friends. In fact Bobbie is my nephew Christopher's Godfather. He was always smiling, very...Read More » ”
10 of 21 | Posted by: Carol DelCore Croce - Nokomis, FL

“My heartfelt condolences to the entire Balestieri family. I have great childhood memories growing up with Robert in the Highlands. One of the kindest...Read More » ”
11 of 21 | Posted by: George McCarthy - Melrose, MA

“i knew robert most of my life he was a talented great guy he will be missed ”
12 of 21 | Posted by: john manganaro - melrose, MA

“So so sorry to hear of Roberts passing. Our love and condolences to Rose and the family. May he Rest In Peace. ”
13 of 21 | Posted by: Teresa and Nando Gentile - Boston, MA

“We are so sorry to hear of Robert's passing. He and all of you are in our hearts and prayers. Love, the Slottje family ”
14 of 21 | Posted by: Brenda Furlong - Charlottesville, VA

“So sorry sending prayers ”
15 of 21 | Posted by: Karen Tolman Skurka - Cranston, RI

“In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. Robert, I really cant believe this. I love you so much and could...Read More » ”
16 of 21 | Posted by: Anne Coppola - Boston, MA

“We all knew him as Bobby or "Bala" back at MHS. He had a great smile and was very sociable. Great looking black hair....all the most popular girls...Read More » ”
17 of 21 | Posted by: Chris Shea - South Weymouth, MA

“So sad to hear about Roberts struggles with cancer. We love your family so Much and keepYou all in our hearts and prayers! ”
18 of 21 | Posted by: The Goudreault's Goudreault - MA

“I will remember our conversations and you occupying my mind when visi ting my sister. With everything you were going through it didnt stop you from...Read More » ”
19 of 21 | Posted by: Kathleen Garcia - Revere, MA

“Over 50 years ago you couldn't help but notice Robert's smile in freshman homeroom or walking down the hall. A wonderful friend to many, he would...Read More » ”
20 of 21 | Posted by: Rosemary Beaudoin Kelley - FL

“The Gately Family and Staff wish to express our sincere sympathy to you. It is our hope that we may be able to make a difficult time more bearable....Read More » ”
21 of 21 | Posted by: John W. Gately, John H. Gately & Fred Sprague - MA

Robert J. Balestieri passed away at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers on March 21, 2020. He was 68 years old.

Robert grew up in Melrose, graduating from Melrose High School in 1970. Upon graduation, he joined the National Guard Reserves and served for six years. Following in his father and grandfather's footsteps, he made a career as a retailer in the produce business, first in the North End with his dad, then opening his own stores: Village Fruit, Inc., in Brookline Village, Washington Square in Brookline, and in Allston. He loved being able to introduce his loyal customers to the ever-growing exotic fruits and vegetables from around the world. A kind, generous soul, he was willing to help anyone in need. He was well-liked and respected by all who knew him. Growing up he enjoyed many summers on Long Beach in Rockport with his large extended family. It continued to be a place he loved throughout his life.

A man of many passions: he loved painting, reading, photography, cooking, and was a self-taught master wood craftsman, making all kinds of furniture and beautiful pieces. One-piece he was particularly proud of that combined his love for God and woodworking, was an intricate bible stand for the local church he attended for many years. In the past few years, some weekly highlights included spending Friday nights with his cousins and close friends, meeting his aunts and mom for coffee, and tinkering in his workshop. However, nothing gave him greater pleasure than spending time with his five children of whom he was very proud, quite often showing off their photos and videos and touting their many accomplishments to friends and relatives. He was, and his family continues to be, forever indebted to his family, cousins, friends, extended family, and the incredible team of doctors and nursing staff who cared for and supported him throughout his four-year heroic battle with cancer. Through their support, he was able to live life fully until the very end.

Robert was the loving father of Alexander Balestieri of Shrewsbury, Chelsea Balestieri of Holliston, Bethany Balestieri of Maryland, Christina Balestieri and Andrew Balestieri of Holliston. Beloved son of Rose (Limone) Balestieri and her late husband Alfonso of Woburn. Cherished brother of John Balestieri of Somerville, Catherine Bourgeois and her husband James, Diane Monteiro and her husband Kenneth, of Woburn. Former husband of Amy Balestieri. Also survived by many close nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, family members and friends.

Due to the new directive from the state of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Funeral Director Association and all the current health concerns, the funeral service will be private. A memorial Mass in Robert's name will be held at a later date and an announcement will be posted when the date becomes available. Please feel free to send a card to family members, drop a card at the funeral home for the family, or send a message of condolence online by visiting www.gatelyfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Robert Balestieri may be made to the Cancer Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center by visiting www.bidmc.org/giving or by check made payable to "Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center" with "Robert Balestier/Cancer Center" in the memo line. Contributions may be mailed to: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Office of Development, 330 Brookline Ave (OV), Boston, MA 02215.

Memories & Candles

Page: 2 of 3

My heartfelt condolences to the entire Balestieri family. I have great childhood memories growing up with Robert in the Highlands. One of the kindest and high spirited people I have known. Rest in peace my friend.

Posted by: George McCarthy - Melrose, MA - Classmate Mar 25, 2020

i knew robert most of my life he was a talented great guy he will be missed

Posted by: john manganaro - melrose, MA - Friend Mar 25, 2020

So so sorry to hear of Roberts passing. Our love and condolences to Rose and the family. May he Rest In Peace.

Posted by: Teresa and Nando Gentile - Boston, MA - Friend Mar 24, 2020

We are so sorry to hear of Robert's passing. He and all of you are in our hearts and prayers. Love, the Slottje family

Posted by: Brenda Furlong - Charlottesville, VA - Family Friend Mar 24, 2020

So sorry sending prayers

Posted by: Karen Tolman Skurka - Cranston, RI - Classmate Mar 24, 2020

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Robert, I really cant believe this. I love you so much and could never find a better friend.
I will miss you for the rest of my life. This is so very hard for me. Love, Anne Louise

Posted by: Anne Coppola - Boston, MA - friend Mar 23, 2020

We all knew him as Bobby or "Bala" back at MHS. He had a great smile and was very sociable. Great looking black hair....all the most popular girls loved the guy while we stood around tongue tied!
Nice fellow....sorry for your loss.

Posted by: Chris Shea - South Weymouth, MA - Classmate Mar 23, 2020

So sad to hear about Roberts struggles with cancer. We love your family so Much and keep
You all in our hearts and prayers!

Posted by: The Goudreault's Goudreault - Sherborn, MA - Family Friend Mar 23, 2020

I will remember our conversations and you occupying my mind when visi ting my sister. With everything you were going through it didnt stop you from supporting your cousin in his time of need. You were/are a wonderful man who walked his talk. I'm grateful to have known you. Thank you for the beautiful bread boards that I have and also gave as gifts. You will be missed.

Posted by: Kathleen Garcia - Revere, MA - Friend Mar 23, 2020

Over 50 years ago you couldn't help but notice Robert's smile in freshman homeroom or walking down the hall. A wonderful friend to many, he would often get together with old friends to keep in touch. An extremely talented craftsman with wood, I am so fortunate to have one of his pieces.
Years ago many days and nights were spent at Nahant halfway house and his love for the beach continued in Gloucester - rain or snowstorm didn't deter him.
Known to

... more

Posted by: Rosemary Beaudoin Kelley - Ft Lauderdale, FL - Friend Mar 23, 2020

Page: 2 of 3

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Robert J. Balestieri Obituary

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