Frank Balestrieri

Frank Balestrieri, 68, went to be with God on April 26, 2023. He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Suanne (Jones) Balestrieri; mother, Catherine (Dentici) Balestrieri; sisters, Mary Vergotz (Jim), Rosalia Balestrieri, Christina Elnyczky (Gregory); brother-in-laws Rick Jones (Cindy), Paul (Debbie) and numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Mario F. Balestrieri; father-in-law Jack Jones, mother-in-law Barbara Jones; brother-in-law Bobby Jones, sister-in-law Janet Meinert (Bernie) and brother-in-law Bernie Meinert.

Frank was a graduate of North Catholic High School and Point Park University and a member of Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity. Frank worked for 35 years as a caseworker for the Pennsylvania Department of Welfare. When he retired he could focus on everything he loved to do: going to North Hills football games, watching Penn State football, and his Steelers. He tried to keep active with his North Catholic Alumni Association. One of his greatest pleasures was riding his bike in the summer. Most Saturdays he would be seen riding around North Park. He also loved to ride around Presque Isle. Frank “Tank” also enjoyed weightlifting and spent many years coaching and mentoring the North Hills Little Bears Weight Lifting Club (his kids!) and, individually, many young men in the North Hills. He also joined various gyms and enjoyed the camaraderie as well as the exercise. Frank loved to meet and talk to people!

Frank was a family man. He loved all his family and was the proudest uncle around. Marrying Susie brought him more nieces and nephews to enjoy and he was proud of all of them. When his nieces and nephews were young he tried to be at every t-ball, softball, basketball, and football game, as well as each swim meet, wrestling match, and yes, even dance shows! He especially loved going to the beach in Erie. He grew up going there every summer with his family. Luckily, Susie loved it too and that was their summer vacation spot.

Frank was a devoted Catholic and enjoyed years of Retreats with his father and other relatives and friends at St. Paul of the Cross Monastery. He was privileged to be an honored recipient of the Bishop’s Latin School Alumni Association John Cardinal Wright Award. At Incarnation of our Lord Church Frank was a CCD teacher for ten years. He attended bible studies in NC and PA and Mass as often as possible. Being close to God was always his focus. Frank had a strong devotion to Saint Lucia, the patron saint of eyes.

Frank is probably driving around in heaven in a pick-up truck listening to his favorite country music!

Family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 and Thursday, May 4, 2023 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at H.P. Brandt Funeral Home, 1032 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh, PA 15237. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, May 5, 2023 at 10:30am at St. Anthony Chapel, 1700 Harpster Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Paul of the Cross Monastery, 148 Monastery Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 or St. Anthony Chapel, 1700 Harpster Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212.