Dominic J. Balestra

I still feel like Dom is. He's as present to me now as he was decades ago. Increasingly I realize he was, with various looks, trying to tell me I was full of it on certain scores. And increasingly I realize he was right. It's uncomfortable but I'm grateful for it. I think he cared more about the truth than about being right, and I'd like to be the same way. I can't shake the guy. But I'm glad to be in some sense together with him for good. Thanks to Dom and his family.

Dominic and I were department chairs at the same time in the last 1980s and early 1990s. We shared a lot, debated a lot, and did our best for Fordham and for our respective departments. I just learned of his passing and will miss knowing that his infectious spirit is no longer either actively learning or in the classroom and benefiting students.

Mamie, So sorry to learn of the passing of Mr. Balestra. I will remember his kind and gentle way and that great smile of his. Prayers to you and all your children. May the strength of our Savior guide you to acceptance and peace.

Dr. B was my first philosophy professor (and faculty advisor) at Fordham and a huge reason why I've loved the subject. He was fun, engaging, challenging, and ridiculously smart. He cared deeply about everyone of his students, and personified the principles of cura personalis and magis, constantly pushing each of us to do the same. One of my greatest regrets will always be that we didn't stay in touch after I graduated. I will never forget his smile when he was bringing philosophy to life, or...

Dom would call me to account for saying something so simple, but it seems to me that he is with me still. And that I am with him. We were in some communion as teacher and student, and that doesn't seem to me to be broken. I don't mean to minimize his death or to imply that he and I were specially close. But he was so good to me and we were so much of one mind and heart at times during conversation that his passing makes me think space and time have no final say. God bless his equally...

Mamie, we were so saddened to hear of Dominic's passing. We have such fond memories of you both living in Chester Park. Jeff enjoyed being co-president of Chester Park with Dominic, so many year's ago. Our memories of democratic fundraisers and neighborhood parties. Please accept our prayers and condolences to you, Elisa, Michael, Annie, your grandchildren and all you family members.

I just learned the sad news of Dom's death. I was privileged to study with him as a graduate student at Fordham, and he oversaw my doctoral thesis. In the years afterwards, we had many conversations which I will remember and treasure. Dom was a warm and caring teacher, a warm and caring person. My deepest sympathies of out to Mamie and all of the Balestra family.

I was on the faculty senate with Dom at Fordham. I admired him and always paid special attention when he spoke in our meetings.

Dom was my lifelong friend, my best friend, and I will miss him always. He was for me and Liz and our children, Sarah and Annie, a shining example of human goodness. He will live always in our memories and warm our hearts with his happy face. With much love and our deepest sympathies to Mame and the entire Balestra family.