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Jack Balestreri
Jack Balestreri
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Jack Balestreri Obituary
But Balestreri - believed to be the last surviving bridge worker - died of natural causes at his San Francisco home on April 21, his daughter, Gayle Balestreri, told The Associated Press on Friday. He was 95.
Starting in 1933, Balestreri did concrete work on the south tower of the bridge and the San Francisco anchorage for three years, the San Francisco Chronicle reported (http://bit.ly/Ip2YZC).
Gayle Balestreri said her father would take the family to Fort Point on the San Francisco side of the bridge and tell them about the span and the work he had done.
"He was always very proud of that," she said.
Balestreri was among a group of bridge workers honored at the span's 50th anniversary in 1987.
Golden Gate Bridge District officials believe Balestreri was the l ast of the bridge workers to die, spokeswoman Mary Currie told the newspaper.
Edward Ashoff, another bridge worker, died on April 14 at his home after a long illness, the Chronicle reported. Ashoff of Mill Valley, who carried rivets and bolts during construction of the south tower, was 97.
Ashoff continued to work for the bridge district after the span was constructed, serving as a toll collector and retiring as toll captain in 1976.
Balestreri's life took a different turn. He played professional baseball and worked at a steel shipyard. He married Marina Saponati, who also worked at the shipyard, in 1943, his daughter said, and went on to work as draftsman for a company in San Francisco for nearly 40 years.
"He was a true San Franciscan," Gayle Balestreri said. "He loved the city and its history."
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
77 Entries
Helgi teixeira
November 1, 2023
I went to school with Lynn balestreri in San Francisco and have tried to find her. Please let her know Helgi Oja Teixeira is looking for her. Please email me
Andy Tarantino
May 24, 2017
My name is Andy Tarantino and I had cousins that were Balistreri's that lived in visitation valley. Charlie Balistreri lived in visitation valley had a brother named Frank who was a barber was wondering if this is a relation of Jack's. my family is from North Beach where a lot of Italian families were from just wondered if we're connected.
March 26, 2014
A gracious and respectable person whose work has done so much to bring so much joy to many of us and made us aware of endless personal possibilities in these troubled times hard to deal with (2 Tim 3:1). Perhaps more will continue to have positive experiences from a wonderful work that has had many impactful contributions to life and its anxieties.
How you can show support
marla latinakova
August 21, 2012
What an amazing life.
May 14, 2012
To the BALESTRERI family sorry for your loss may GOD give you his love, peace, and strength in this time of sorrow. He helped build a wonderful bridge, and it's to bad that he couldn't be part of the 75th anniversary. May he R.I.P -|-
S.M. L
May 6, 2012
Thank you Jack! R.I.P.
Glenda Dickens
May 5, 2012
Loved that bridge as a child always asked where is the Gold?
M Milord
May 4, 2012
May you be comforted with God's word.
May 4, 2012
Sorry for your loss. May the Bible console your grieving hearts.
April 30, 2012
My condolences goes to the family and friends of Jack Balestreri. May those in mourning be comforted by the bible.(Relevation 21:4)
Victoria Valdez
April 30, 2012
~Circle of Life
As well as a
Gift of Life~
To the Community
and friends of
Mission'Delores
As with All of
the Valley of
Beautiful California'
Godbless you
As our condolences
go out to the
~Jack BalesTreri Family~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tanisha
April 30, 2012
To the family of Balestreri,
I am sorry to hear of your loved one's passing. May God comfort the family during this time of bereavement. The family is my prayers.
s m
April 30, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Ms. Deborah Mentzel
April 30, 2012
Let God's promise of Eternal Life through Christ Jesus bring you comfort at this bittersweet time. I feel I was there in their car listening when he shared those times with his beloved children. Dad has passed from The Golden Gate Bridge through The Golden Gates of Home.
ER
April 30, 2012
The bridge was built with union labor. As the child of union members, I thank you, Mr. Balesltreri.
April 30, 2012
May the God of all comfort be with you in this time of grief, may all Jack's memories stay close to your heart. Psalms 46:1 Joanna
Susie
April 30, 2012
My sympathy & prayers goes to your family at this difficult time. May he rest in peace now.
Kayo Richardson
April 29, 2012
My condolences to the family of Jack Balestreri."I- I myself am the One that is comforting you people." Isaiah 51:12
Trisha
April 29, 2012
R.I.P, God bless his family.
Dona Conzelman
April 29, 2012
My condolances to you and your family. I know what you are going thru as my father is Edward Ashoff, I hope they are sharing stories from the old days with one another as we speak.
Dona Conzelman
BIG PAULIE
April 29, 2012
R.I.P.
Patty Wright
April 29, 2012
What a wonderful story to tell your children. May this and other wonderful memories be with you forever.
Geline
April 29, 2012
My condolences to the family in your time of sorrow and know that God will comfort your heart. Psalms 55:22
April 28, 2012
Natalie. I'm so sorry to learn of your father's passing. I know how close you were to him and he to you. May the many happy memories be with you always.
Midge DIVINCENZO
April 28, 2012
what an honor to have such a person be in his family and friends lives..he was a content man..
Mike
April 28, 2012
God Bless Jack, and my thoughts and prayers are with your family. The Golden Gate Bridge is a beautiful site, and I enjoy seeing it. I will think of Jack next time I am there.
Pj
April 28, 2012
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
April 28, 2012
My deepest sympathies to the family. May God give you comfort, and strength to endure this trial.
Sharon kay
April 28, 2012
WHAT A WONDEFUL STORY!!! MAY YOU REST IN PEACE FOREVER, GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY!!
JOHN 3:16 YOU MADE AMERICA PROUD!!!
JW CP
April 28, 2012
MAY YOUR FAMILY FIND COMFORT AND PEACE DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME THROUGH GODS WORD.1PETER 3:7
LMR
April 28, 2012
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Brenda Little-Fisher
April 28, 2012
God Bless Jack! Travel from Kansas twice a yr to enjoy the Bay area.The Golden Gate Bridge is still one of my favs. Thoughts and prayers for Jacks family and friends.
Wanda Henry
April 28, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of Jack Balestreri passing. My prayers are with his family and friends at this bereaved time. May Jehovah be with you all through your prayers during this time.
Tanya
April 28, 2012
My condolences for your loss. Someone who have left such a legacy and is a part of history will always be remembered. As you cope with your loss, may God grant you peace and give you the strength with each passing day.
Pearl Lopez Delgado
April 28, 2012
Our condolences
rest in peace~
Jay
April 28, 2012
I loved reading about Jack's life. He had a wonderful long life. I am sorry for your loss, may god bless the family in their time of need.
(MA)
April 28, 2012
Sorry for your loss. My Father, Edward Gallagher, also worked on the Golden Gate bridge and would be over 100 years if still alive.
I would guess that they knew one another.
With sympathy,
Anne Gallagher D'Ambrosio
steven stancia
April 28, 2012
R.I.P.
Clare
April 28, 2012
I have never been to the Golden Gate Bridge, but I know I will think of this man and his legacy the first time I go... Rest in peace
LEON BUCZYNSKI JR
April 28, 2012
MAY GOD BLESS JACK AND HIS FAMILY IN THIS TIME OF NEED, LEON BUCZYNSKI JR
April 28, 2012
With deepest sympathy to the Balestreri family during your time of grief...Psalm 46:1...God is for us a refuge and strength, A help that is readily to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.
April 28, 2012
I am so sorry for your lost. May you and your family rely on God in this time if grief.
April 28, 2012
May the God of all comfort be with Jack's family at this time of grief, may all his memories stay close to your heart. Psalms 46:1 Joanna
The Bella's
April 28, 2012
The Last of the Last.
God Bless His family and what he left behind.
Jose Alvarez
April 28, 2012
Thank you for your service at the bridge.
MAY GOD REST YOUR SOUL IN PEACE
Olga P.
April 28, 2012
My condolences to the Balestreri family. May you find comfort from God's word recorded at Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10 regarding the loss of your loved one.
Al Harris
April 28, 2012
After the sadness of your loss as somewhat ended, may you always look up to the very spot where your dad took you on the bridge and still find him there. May he rest in peace now.
Kate Smith
April 28, 2012
What an interesting story behind this man. He's left memories for his family to pass on to future generations. Take peace in this. I never met him, but now I'll remember him.
April 28, 2012
Please accept our deepest condolences and may THE GOD of all comfort, comfort your family in this time of sorrow. Atlanta, GA.
mary holmes
April 28, 2012
the loss of a loved one brings grief, I"m sorry for your loss may God"s compassion be upon your family.
Wayne Flaaten
April 28, 2012
The Golden Gate Bridge is a timeless icon and beautiful structure !
I have (sitting next to me) a 'souvenir' piece of the original California Redwood used to build the original catwalk for the bridge - which my parents purchased during one of their many visits to "The City". It has an inscription on it -as well as a drawing of the bridge.
I wonder if Jack was related to Judy Balestreri - who I grew up with / went to school with - in Culver City,CA - in the 1940s & 50s ?
May he rest in peace.
CARL RIZZO
April 27, 2012
MARVELED THE BRIDGE
SEEN THE BRIDGE
BEEN ON THE BRIDGE
A LONG TIME AGO
RIP JACK
CARL COSIMO RIZZO
GENERAL OF CROSSING GUARDS
Gloria G
April 27, 2012
Great history! We should always remember to take the time to listen and give our elders time to talk to us about their interesting life stories. I'm terrified to drive or ride over bridges of any size or construction. I will never forget our trip across that bridge. My sweet husband got us over it. It was night time which I think made it easier for me. I didn't get to "enjoy" it..but I respected those who had built something that complicated in that era. Jack deserved to be proud of his part in it. My daddy and one of his brothers helped build the Hoover Dam. It is amazing the feats men and women accomplished during a time of lesser means than what is available today. Thanks, Jack!
Gloria of Rockford IL
April 27, 2012
Rest in Peace Mr.Balestreri Our thoughts and prayers are with your family..God Bless you all..
April 27, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. God did not intend for man to die. But he created man to live forever. Genesis 1:28
P. J. Adams
April 27, 2012
My first footstep, in the State of California, was in San Francisco. Mr. Balesteri's contribution to that magnificent masterpiece is adorn with a painting in my home. Sleep well, sir, and welcome to the original Golden Gate.
Proud American
April 27, 2012
Jack, you not only made history,you make us feel proud for the pride you put into your work.
Golden Gate Bridge "Made In America."
God Bless You and your family in this time of sorrow.
April 27, 2012
To the family: As you grieve of sadness may the "hearer of prayer" help you to endure this time of sorrow and grant you peace. My deepest condolences. (Psalms 65:2)
April 27, 2012
I'm so very sorry for your loss. Please be comforted with knowing that the God of love knows of your painful loss and he has promised to do away with death and pain that it cause soon, for He has promised.
kelly w
April 27, 2012
Sorry for your loss. what a beautiful bridge! thank you for your work! god bless
anna lodato
April 27, 2012
Rest in peace, Jack. Thank you for your hard work on such a beautiful bridge.
We are probably distant cousins. My mom was a Balestreri, her mom and dad, John Balestreri, from sicily.
April 27, 2012
May you always rest in peace... god bless your family at this sad time...
Elizabeth Booth
April 27, 2012
Beautiful! You did a wonderful work! Thank you! EB
Victoria ~";"~ VZj
April 27, 2012
@What a life time
and to
All those around you
as your family&friends
Remember you
As Iron fits to a
up most perfection..
And enginer'Design of
the famous
GoldenGateBridge
above the Frisco Oceans
near
Marin County'
As the Afterlife
give a Spiritual
Bless into a mist'
Angels sing to
a
UniQue'sigh
a new Journey
Our condolences to
JACK BALESTRERI
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jeanette
April 27, 2012
RIP and thank you for helping to build that magnificent bridge. God bless you and your family at this time.
Scott Chamberland
April 27, 2012
Rest in Peace
T.M. Barclay
April 27, 2012
Though I never experienced the Golden Gate Bridge...the beauty of it shines in your eyes Mr. Balestreri! RIP in peace young man.
Thomas
April 27, 2012
May you rest in peace.
Maureen Fleming
April 26, 2012
To my old Urbano Drive friend Lynn,
Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts. May all those wonderful memories of your beloved Dad ease the pain of your loss.
Maureen Fleming
calvin Witcher
April 26, 2012
The Witcher family lights a candle in condolence.
Debbie Collins Chinowth
April 26, 2012
I'm so glad I was part of your family. Growing up I remember Mr. Balestreri as a dad figure, the one I never had. He is and will be missed dearly. Love and prayers to all your family.
Valerie Barnhart
April 26, 2012
My heart and prayers goes to my friend Lynn and her family,.
May your father rest in peace. He will be remembered.
Warmest regards,
Valerie Barnhart
Marguerite Blumenthal
April 26, 2012
Our deepest sympathy to the Balestreri Family on your great loss. May all of Jack's many talents and accomplishments be a continuous source of strength and pride to you during this time and in the years to come. These wonderful legacies he has left you will live on.
With Our Love and Prayers,
Marguerite & Family
Suzie Keener ONeill
April 25, 2012
Uncle Jackie's death is a celebration of life with all he accomplished in his lifetime. My prayers go out to the entire Balestreri family.
Angel blessings and love,
Suzie Keener-O'Neill
Jacqueline Firpo Nunn
April 25, 2012
We feel sadness at Uncle Jack's passing. But, we should not feel sad for Uncle Jack. He hit his Grand Slam, rounded each base, is safe at home and he has won the "Game". He's celebrating now as we all should with him. See you there. RIP. All my love and prayers, your niece, Jacqueline
Catherine (Brosnan) and Brad Dow
April 24, 2012
Our deepest condolences to Marina and all the Balestreri family. Jack lived life to the fullest!
May he rest in peace.
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