Peter Salvatore Balestrieri born April 24, 1940 beloved husband, father, nonno and uncle passed away March 24, 2020 after struggling with recent health issues. He is survived by his wife JoAnn, his children Steven (Maria), Jon (Denise), Nicole (Michael), his grandchildren Victoria, Francesca and Nicholas, his brother Robert and his nephew Brian, his brother and sister in law Ron and Linda Grawert and their sons Marc, Keith and Michael. Peter is preceded in death by his parents Frank Balestrieri and Patrina (Cancilla) Balestrieri.

He attended St. Vincent De Paul grammar school, class of 1953, St. Ignatius College Preparatory, class of 1957, where he excelled on the debate team, was the head cheerleader, when it was still an all-boys school, and the University of San Francisco. He was an accomplished piano player and played in a local band for several years. He met the love of his life at the age of 15, JoAnn Lucia, who he vowed to marry one day. He made good on that promise just 5 years later.

He was a salesman in the wholesale produce business for most of his life, first with his father in the family business, and then with John DeMartini and Carcioni Fresh Produce. He made many lasting friendships with his suppliers, always giving them quality personal care and attention.

Peter and JoAnn raised their three children in Westlake where they were active parishioners at Our Lady of Mercy. He was a member of the Westlake Catholic Men's Club; chairing the cioppino dinner, and helping with the famous OLM festival among many others. He always said that raising his children in Westlake was the best time of his life.

He was a family man who savored the simple things in life; spending time with his wife, his kids and his grandchildren, a good glass of scotch or red wine, fishing, hiking and playing bocce ball. He was a long-time member of the San Mateo Elks Lodge and was also a member of a hiking group. Peter had a fantastic sense of humor; he could tell a joke and have you laughing even before the punchline.

A private service and burial will take place on Thursday, April 16. A Memorial Mass will be held at a future date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the charity of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Mar. 27 to Mar. 30, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Peter Balestrieri

13 Entries

Reggie Leipsic

December 26, 2024

Joanne,
I just chanced upon this sad news of your husband passing and wanted to send my sincere condolences.
I feel your sadness at this time
as my wife of 56 years Eloise,whom you´ve met when we lived on Chestnut Street also passed in 2016.
With love and remembrance
I share in your sorrow."
Reggie Leipsic

Ken Balestrieri

April 17, 2020

A wonderful man full of love, joy and humor. I am proud to have known Pete and the family. The peace and comfort of Jesus be with all the family.

April 13, 2020

Jon and I have many fond memories of Pete. He's still making me laugh looking at his contagious smile. We really enjoyed our time with him and Joanne at Jon and Denise's home which were many. We will truly miss you, Pete Balestrieri. Rest in peace our friend.

Love,

Jon & Maryann

Denise

April 13, 2020

Always in our Hearts Pete. Thank you for your beautiful Spirit which will live on within each of us.
With Love.

edward musante

April 4, 2020

Dear Balestrieri family: Please accept my sincere condolences. I knew Peter when we both attended St Ignatius Highschool. He was a friendly and kind schoolmate. I have not seen Pete since i left the Bay Area in 1962, but i can vividly remember his smile and laughter. May God bless and comfort all of you.

Sincerely
Ed Musante

Joseph Newhoff

March 31, 2020

Our condolences to the Balestrieri Family. May you be blessed knowing how much Pete was loved and admired. Love, Another Westlake Family, The Newhoff's

As the caption reads "All smiles and ready for class"

Maria Balestrieri

March 30, 2020

Sal Veneziano

March 30, 2020

My deepest condolences to your family. I was lucky to have Pete as my friend at the Elks Lodge. We had fun speaking the old Sicilian together and always exchanging jokes. I will truly miss him.
Sal Veneziano

March 30, 2020

Steve and Maria, My heart and prayers are with you and your family. Kathleen Lucey McKeon

Natalie Giannini

March 30, 2020

Dear JoAnn and Family,
We are deeply saddened to hear that Pete has passed away. The two of you were such a lovely and loving couple. May you and your family's shared memories of him bring you smiles and comfort.
Love,
Natalie and Paris Giannini

March 27, 2020

I remember Peter from grammar school. She always was cheerful and funny. May he rest in peace and prepare a place for us. God bless his family

Julieanne Grawert Donahue

March 27, 2020

I remember Pete's sense of humor when we were all together in Atlanta for Marc's wedding. A short but memorable visit. We seemed to meet only at weddings.

May God bless and guide the family in this time of sorrow.

Julieanne Grawert Donahue

Neil Kelly

March 27, 2020

Mr. Balestrieri was one of those father figures that helped make Westlake and Our Lady of Mercy a great place to raise a family. I knew him since I was 5 years old and he always was so supportive and good nature. He worked hard to support his family getting up early each morning to go down to the produce market (I remember that we had to be so quiet in the afternoon at the house as Pete was taking a nap). As his obit says, he could tell a good story, and if he was here now, I'm sure I would be laughing at one of his jokes or stories. In fact, such thinking about some of stories that his son Steve would tell us about him makes me laugh right now. God only knows we all need a good laugh right now. God bless Mr. Balestrieri.

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