Kai Andreas Balli

Kai Andreas Balli passed away at his residence in Brooklyn, New York, on March 19th, 2023. Kai, who was born in Glendale, CA on November 26th, 1998, grew up in Southern California. He attended Beatitudes of Our Lord and Saint Bruno's Catholic School and graduated from Troy high school in Fullerton, CA. Kai left California in 2017 to pursue his dream of moving to New York and attending New York University. Kai graduated with a Mechanical Engineering Degree with a minor in Aerospace Engineering in May 2021.

Kai had a lot of interests, as a child he played soccer, tennis, piano, guitar, and drums. His love of books was very evident early on, he would read for hours past his bedtime. Kai enjoyed hanging around with his friends and exploring places. He was active in his High School Robotics Club. Kai was an excellent student and very hardworking, often holding more than one job. He traveled to Mexico, the Philippines, and Germany, but always went home to the city he loved- New York.

After arriving in NYC, Kai worked hard in his studies and began a successful culinary career, working at establishments such as Locanda Verde, Ursula Brooklyn, and Koloman. Kai had goals of opening his own restaurants and bars, and had come up with several original dishes. Kai made a lot of close friends in NYC and enjoyed spending time with them and with his cats, Lt. Dan and Asako. He was active in local politics, often supporting young LGBTQ+ bipoc businesses and artists. He had a passion for traveling and photography, and would often go on solo trips exploring the city he so loved.

Ever a shining light to all around him, Kai had many friends in New York and California. He was a very kind soul who saw the goodness in everyone. Kai was a free spirit who lived life to the fullest. Kai is survived by his mother Catherine, father Bryan, and brothers Joshua and Nathan. We will miss him dearly but are comforted that he is now with our Lord Jesus Christ.

Viewing and Funeral Services will be held at Las Rosas Funeral Home, 764 4th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY on Saturday, April 15th from 4pm - 9pm. He will be laid to rest at the Green-Wood Cemetery.