Thomas Andrew Balestreri

February 15, 1918 – January 25, 2015

for many things, but mostly for his generosity of spirit and his warm smile. Whenever help was needed, he was there. Without fail, he went above and beyond in his support of family, friends and community. Tom’s unsurpassed skills in carpentry, electrical wiring, masonry, welding, plumbing, and automotive repair were gifts he shared unselfishly throughout his life. He and Evelyn were part of what are lovingly referred to as the Barn Families — the original founders of St. Ignatius Loyola Parish and School. For many years, he worked countless hours at maintaining the Church and School buildings, the Convent for the Sisters of the Holy Names and Loretto High School. He was also an active member of numerous social groups such as the Italian Catholic Federation, St. Mary’s Social Club, Sons in Retirement, and Piemonte Reale Benevolent Society. As a member of the East Portal Bocce Club, Tom could often be found playing bocce ball with some of his dearest friends. Their involvement in the Bocce League sparked an upsurge in interest in the game, which eventually led to new courts at the park.

Tom will be deeply missed by all those who knew him. His family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to his caregivers, Gloria Jackson, Seinileva (Janie) Fifita, and Tupou (Bo) Pohahau along with the Vitas Hospice Care Team who cared for Tom with kindness and respect. Family and friends are invited to attend his Viewing (5pm) and Rosary (7pm) on Monday, February 2 at Nicoletti, Culjis and Herberger Funeral Home, 5401 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento, CA. A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, February 3 at 11am at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church, 3235 Arden Way, Sacramento, CA. Tom’s burial will be immediately following the mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Following the burial, please join the family for a reception celebrating Tom’s life at the Croatian American Cultural Center, 3730 Auburn Boulevard, Sacramento, CA. Please make any remembrances to St. Ignatius Loyola Parish or a charity of your choice.

Tom Balestreri was born in San Francisco, CA to Maria and Salvatore Balestreri. Surrounded by his family, Tom passed away peacefully on January 25, 2015, in the home he loved. He was preceded in death by Evelyn, his childhood sweetheart and loving wife of 67 years. His two brothers, Frank and Jackie, and sister, Frances, also preceded him in death. Tom leaves behind his younger sister Victoria and sisters-in-law Mari Balestreri and Ramona Brain. He is survived by his seven devoted children: David (Carol) Balestreri of Sacramento, Joyce (Richie) Carroll of Flagstaff, AZ, Carol Balestreri of Carmichael, Richard (Chris) Balestreri of Sacramento, Tom (Trudy) Balestreri of San Diego, Ken (Trudi) Balestreri of Fair Oaks, and Phil (Tracy) Balestreri of Sacramento. Also surviving are his 18 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

Tom was born in the North Beach district of San Francisco and moved to Potrero Hill as a young child. It was there on “The Hill” that Tom’s extraordinary mechanical talents began to emerge. The wooden box racers that he and his friends built to race down the steep hills of their neighborhood later inspired the well-known Soap Box Derby events. At the age of 12, working in a small garage next to his family’s home, he bought his first of many cars, a 1916 Model T Ford Roadster. In his words, “If there was a part that made it go fast, I had it on it”. Over the years, we heard many stories of his childhood, including selling the San Francisco Call-Bulletin newspaper as an 8 year-old on the streets of 3rd & Market, racing his cars on Skyline Blvd, and selling “Peanuts, Popcorn, Homerun Kisses and a Roughneck!” during baseball games at Seals Stadium in the Mission District.

Tom graduated from Lick Wilmerding High School in San Francisco and then moved to Sacramento in 1940 where he began his 38-year career at McClellan Air Force Base. Tom and Evelyn married in 1942 and he brought his new bride to join him in Sacramento. Like many young men of his time, Tom enlisted in the Navy in 1945 to serve as a gunner’s mate aboard the J.R.Y. Blakely, Destroyer Escort 140 in World War II. Tom returned to McClellan AFB after the war and resumed his career as Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor until his retirement in 1978. In 1950 he built their Arden Park home where he and Evelyn raised their family and where he lived until his recent passing.

Tom will be remembered