Deacon Alfred O. Balestracci – 89, of North Reading and formerly of CT, died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, July 29, 2020. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 65 years, Marjorie M. (Burdick) Balestracci.
Born in New London, CT on September 10, 1930, he was the son of the late Alfred and Evelyn (Matthewson) Balestracci.
Al was a graduate of Fitch High School in Groton, CT, Class of 1948 and then joined the Navy serving 4 years. He became a Hospital Corpsman and served during the Korean War. After the Military he obtained a Registered Nursing Certificate from Mass. General and McLean Hospitals. He later earned a BSN from St. Anselm’s College in New Hampshire and then his Masters Degree in Education from Salem State College.
He helped reopen the Butler Health Center in Providence, RI. Years later he was involved in opening a facility in North Reading for special needs children ages 18 to 20. Some years later he worked for the North Reading program trying to rehabilitate first offenders out of the Boston Juvenile Court. Then later he became the Director of Medical/Nursing Services at Regina Cleri serving elderly and sick priests. He returned to the state system and became the on-site Administrator for Hogan Regional Center and North Reading Rehab working for the State of Massachusetts for 28 years. Last year, Al was inducted to his high school hall of fame for his football career.
Al had been very active at Saint Theresa’s Church in North Reading as Deacon, performing numerous baptisms, first communions, confirmations, weddings and funerals. He just celebrated his 40th year as a Deacon. He was a fourth degree Knight of Columbus serving as the Grand Knight in 1972. He was a member of the Christian Community Service, a member of the V.F.W., a Parish Council member and a member of the Financial Council at Saint Theresa’s Church.
Al played slow pitch softball in the North Reading Men’s Softball League until he was 50 years old and then became an avid golfer. He played in the Hillview Senior Golf League.
Survived by loving sons, Victor Balestracci and his wife Jane of Fredericksburg Virginia, Mark Balestracci of Sebastian, FL and his late wife Michele Balestracci and the late Alfred Balestracci (little Al); loving daughters, Sheri Rogers and husband Mark of Webster MA , Kathy Balestracci of North Reading and Lisa Kellermen and her husband Rick of Haverhill. Nine grandchildren, Jennifer Payne and husband Will, Karen Howarth and husband Jake; Colleen Heselton and significant other Jorge Solisfraire; Kristina Woods and husband Bobby; Justin Rogers and wife Rachel Stacy Rogers and fiance Kiernan O’Neill; Crystal Spaide and husband Jeff; Ryan Balestracci and Katie Kellerman; 12 great grandchildren and 8 great great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his only sister Jacquelyn Delaporta. Al jokingly told people that he was a failure because as a child he wanted to be a priest or a doctor but ended up a nurse and a Deacon. A successful full life lived well.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street (Rt. 62), North Reading on Friday, August 7 at 10:30 AM. Visitation will be held at the Church Hall on Thursday, August 6 from 2 to 8 PM (enter from rear of parish hall). Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. In Lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to St. Theresa’s Church and the Regina Cleri Residence, Attn: Steven Gust, 60 William Cardinal O’Connell Way, Boston, MA 02114. Arrangements are by the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com
I don’t know you I’m so sorry to hear about your dad’s passing he is now resting in peace may god be with you and your family you are all in my prays always remember the good times you had with him
God Bless You Deacon Al and Thank You for everything that You have done for Saint Theresa Chuch
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I had the privilege of working with Al and received ashes from him many an Ash Wednesday!
Kathy and Mark I am so sorry for your lossYour dad was a very sweet man and will be missed . Your family is in my prayers
God bless you Deacon Al. It was pleasure knowing you these many years. May you rest in peace.
I have never served with a finer colleague and one who also became a great friend and confidant. May the Lord be good to him and reward him for so much faithful service.
We send our condolences and sympathy to you at this time. Your dad lived a full and productive, positive life. Over 30 years ago, Deacon Al made our wedding a loving, inclusive experience at St. Theresa’s. We will always be grateful for that.
Anne Gleason and Perri Schnier
To my dear friend– ‘Al’…….Remember when we sang in the Choir together with my dad and brother….ofcource you do. Those where some great times. Singing in the Choir loft….!!!
But We will never forget….the day you married us Oct. 8, 2016…that was such a touching day for the both of us. I was crying because my parents were gone to God and you were crying because you has just lost your love too. Oh those moments in our lives. Please say hello to my mom and dad and rest with the Lord you so love.
To the wonderful family—my deepest sadness and sorrow.
Oh ya….how about the party at the HorseShoe…..!!! how could we forget that one.
I could go on and on…but for now GOOD BYE my dear friend…. till we meet again.
All our love,
Philip and Frances (Cheney) Goddard
I’m so sorry for your loss “Mr. And Mrs.B ” Marge and Al had a huge impact on my life they were my parents best friends and a second set of parents to me. They instilled values in me that I live by today. He touched so many people’s lives in a way that is hard to explain, this is a huge loss to the church, the community the places where he was employed, where he volunteered, and to anybody that knew him, there is not another “Mr B” he was the most kind, giving, intelligent person I ever met.
Al interviewed my wife, Nancy Vekens, and me, in successive interviews at John T Berry in late 1978, where we met. We were both hired and were privileged to see how Al created a community atmosphere at work. He had the utmost respect for the clients he served. He was an excellent role model as a force for all that is good and that builds people up. No doubt he was an influence in my becoming a deacon years later.
Deacon Al encouraged me to become a deacon and I’m sure his prayers made it possible.
Fred Sarno
Deacon Al was so kind to my mom when she was sick. He would come visit her. He was a good man. My prayers for the family.
God Bless and receive you into his kingdom. Thank you for all your service. A true Deacon!!!
In Christ
Deacon Elcio
Deacon Al and Marge would dear friends of my parents Ed and Kay. They vacationed together in Orange Lake in Florida for many years.
Thank you Al for being such a wonderful friend to our father, Tom Comerford. They enjoyed many Wednesday mornings at Hillview golfing. He also was with our dad at the end of his life. Many thanks.
The Comerford Family
God Bless you Deacon Al! I thank god that you came that day to meet me before my sons baptism. He had been sick that day and I was so scared I was going to have to take him back to the hospital ( we had just been discharged not long before after a 5 day stay), He ended up ok You came and said to me, I could hear in your voice you were scared, I was coming to see you no matter what! We sat at my table, talked about being nurses and how it lead us to interesting and wonderful life experiences. We bonded over the fact that we were “people persons”. You said to me come, ” to my confirmation class, just come by no pressure”. I came the next week! I met one of the very best friend of my my life there, I found my faith there, And a community I have grown to be a part of thanks to you! You certainly have a way with people and sharing your love of the lord. I know you are at peace with him and all those you missed so dearly. Thank you for all you did for me, I thank god you came into my life. Rest In Peace, until we meet again. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family.