ANTHONY (TONY) BALESTRIERI1920-2018Known for his belief, "It is what it is," the Patriarch of the Balestrieri Family reunited with the love of his life on July 9, 2018, at the age of almost 98 years.

Anthony (Tony) Balestrieri was the devoted husband of the late Marie Balestrieri. He is survived by their four children, Angela, Lori, Mario and Barbara (Oscar Issa). His grandsons and granddaughters brought him much joy. Robert, Ryan and Tony affectionately knew him as "Nanno Honey," and Julie (Corin Ponn) and Kelly (Ryan Rancatore) affectionately knew him as "Baba Tony." His four great-granddaughters Lola Marie, Emmy, Victoria and Quinn loved Papa.

Tony was the ever-present Big Brother whom his three sisters Grace, Annie and Sadie revered. Uncle Tony was loved by his nieces and nephews.

Sitting on the front stairs of his neighbors' homes, Tony socialized with all the neighbors who would pass by, young and old alike, the new neighbors as well as the long-time neighbors. He often said that neighbors are like family. We thank you all for the love and respect you have shown him through the years.

After retiring from a career of forty-five years in the restaurant business, Dad became a local businessman in the City's Portola District.

The Balestrieri Family is deeply indebted to Dr. Sasha Niemi, to Nora and Tom, and to Bernadette and the Cal-Care Hospice Team for their dedicated and loving care of our Dad.

Services were held at Saint Brendan Catholic Church on Friday, July 13, 2018.