James M. Balestino Sr., 79, Hollidaysburg, died Friday at Altoona Regional.
He was born in Altoona, son of the late Joseph and Amelia (Domenico) Balestino. He married Frances D. Conte on Sept. 29, 1956, at Mount Carmel Catholic Church.
Surviving are his wife; a son, James M. Balestino Jr. of Chesapeake, Va.; a daughter, Susan Robinette (Greg) of Everett; six grandchildren: Ryan and Alex Robinette, Ashley Sawyer and Zachary, Dylan and Jordan Balestino; a great-granddaughter, Gracie Sawyer; five brothers: Father Francis Balestino of Johnstown, Paul Balestino, George Balestino and Nick Balestino, all of Altoona, and Anthony Balestino of Columbia, Md.; and a sister, Toni Balestino of Altoona.
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He was preceded in death by five brothers: William, Nunzio, Angelo, Joseph and John Balestino; and two sisters: Mary Maher and Rose Balestino.
Mr. Balestino was a graduate of Altoona High School and a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean conflict. He was a superintendent at Warnaco with 40 years of service. He was a member of Bavarian Aid Society and Cesare Battisti Club and was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where he was a longtime usher.
James enjoyed bowling, playing the lottery, gardening and cooking.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 20, 2012, at The Stevens Mortuary Inc., 1421 Eighth Ave., Altoona, where a vigil for the deceased will be held. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2012, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Committal will be at Calvary Cemetery.
The family requests that donations be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in memory of James.
