Louis H. Balestracci

Born to the late Louis H. and Antoinette (Picinisco) Balestracci, Lou was a graduate of New Bedford Vocational High School obtaining his electrical license and earning an associate degree in management from Fisher College. He proudly served his country in the Army National Guard before beginning a long and dedicated career with Com-Electric, where he worked his way up from lineman to foreman while serving as union shop steward over 33 years until his well-earned retirement at age 55. Lou was on the Board of Directors for Commonwealth Utilities Credit Union for over twenty years. Coached his kids and was League President for youth baseball & softball. He also enjoyed raising many back yard animals as his kids considered him a city farmer.

Lou was a hardworking man who lived life on his own terms. Tough by nature, stubborn, and outspoken, he often declared, “I’m gonna do what I wanna do.”. Lou lived his life by the message of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way”. He was loud, direct, full of stories, and always knew how to make people laugh. Lou was always the life of the party, ready to buy the first round, and often the last to leave. If you ever met Big Lou, chances are he called you “Jimmy”. He didn’t mind a little deprecation, as he was sure to return the favor and wasn’t shy about flipping the bird. Beneath his tough exterior was a heart of gold and a generous spirit that those who knew and loved him will always remember.

Lou loved spending time outdoors, whether gardening, golfing, traveling, or heading up north to enjoy snowmobiling, hunting and working on the land with his tractor. He also appreciated life’s simple pleasures, including soaking up the sun, sometimes in his birthday suit. He loved spending time in his man cave, surrounded by friends and family, usually with a cigar in hand, a shot, and a beer.

Above all else, family always came first for Lou. His greatest pride and joy were the people he loved. He treasured his time with them and leaves behind a lifetime of memories, laughter, lessons, and stories that will be shared for generations to come. Those closest to Lou knew that behind his tough exterior was a deep and unwavering love for his family.

In addition to his wife, Joyce, Lou leaves behind his loving children, Louis H. Balestracci and his wife, Mary, of Norwell, and Tammy Balestracci of Deerfield; five cherished grandchildren, Matthew, Tyler, and Michael Balestracci, and Emma and Grace Wesoloski; his stepchildren, Doug Baptiste of Fairhaven, and Heatha Gomes and her husband, Fred, of New Bedford; and his step-grandchildren, Allanna and Teyana Gomes, Jared Baptiste, and Domonique Gatzogiannis and her husband, John.

He is also survived by his siblings, Mary Robinson and her husband, Bill, of Dartmouth; Tony Balestracci and his wife, Gloria, of Dartmouth; Joseph Balestracci and his wife, Gayle, of Bristol, Rhode Island; and Paul Balestracci and his wife, Phyllis, of Wareham; as well as many cherished nieces and nephews.

A man who worked hard, played hard, loved deeply, and lived life unapologetically, Lou leaves behind a lasting legacy of strength, laughter, and unconditional love.

“A golden heart stopped beating, hard-working hands are now at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, he only takes the best.”

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 6, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Waring-Sullivan Home at Fairlawn, 180 Washington Street, Fairhaven, MA 02719, followed by burial at Evergreen Cemetery in Marion.

For tributes and online condolences, please visit www.waring-sullivan.com.