Peter Virgil Balestreri

Peter was born in San Francisco in 1936 and grew up in a large Italian family surrounded by many cousins. He cherished summers in Santa Cruz, fishing with his grandparents and cousin Jimmy. A lifelong music lover-especially of his favorite singer, Frankie Laine-Peter often broke into song at family gatherings, delighting those around him with his strong, beautiful voice.
He graduated from Sacred Heart High School and soon married fellow San Franciscan, Arlene Belforte. Peter built a successful, award-winning career in the beverage industry raising three children in South San Francisco before moving to Marin County.
Family was at the center of his life. The Balestreri home was filled with the sounds of loud Italian laughing, singing, arguing, family dinners, music, movie nights, and the chaos of togetherness. Summers spent at the family's vacation home in Arnold remain among the most treasured memories.
Peter and Arlene loved to travel overseas, and some of Peter's most cherished adventures included visiting China, Ireland with his granddaughters Sabrina and Samantha, Italy and Sicily, and Russia with his grandson, Christopher.
Known for his voice with perfect pitch, rich tone, and a strong vibrato. Peter often turned an ordinary sentence into a song. He had a wicked sense of humor, with Seinfeld among his favorite shows-a reflection of his comedic taste. A gifted storyteller, he loved to retell his most infamous tales, many of them laced with humor and often at the playful expense of his son-in-law, Pete.
Peter passed away peacefully at home at the age of 88. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. He is survived by his beloved wife, Arlene; his children Diane (Jessica), Linda (Sophia), and Michael; daughter-in-law Lisa; grandchildren Sabrina, Samantha, Jeremy, Brandon, and Michael; and great-grandchildren Wesley and Isla. He is also survived by his brother, David; his sister, Bonnie; and his sister-in-law, Verna. He was preceded in death by his grandson Christopher and son-in-law Pete.
A Memorial service for family and friends, will be held on September 6th, from 11am - 3pm at Valley Memorial Park, Novato.