Rita Theresa Balistreri

Rita was born on September 1, 1930 in Milwaukee WI. She passed away in her home on Sunday, May 22, 2017 at the age of 86. She was united in marriage to Joseph S. Balistreri (Joe) on July 19, 1950. He predeceased her in death after 55 years of marriage on June 10, 2006. Rita is survived by their six children, Kathryn Balistreri, Lake Toxaway, NC, Margaret (Herbert) Hays, Lighthouse Point, FL, Anne (Bruce) Harrell, Marietta, GA, Joseph E. Balistreri, Lighthouse Point, FL, Carol Balistreri, Lighthouse Point, FL, and James Balistreri, Lighthouse Point, FL. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Katie and Ryan Fitzpatrick, Nicholas (Samantha), Stephen (Alice), and Michael Harrell, Christine Balistreri (Kyle) Van Buskirk, Laura and Kathleen Balistreri, Dominic and Clayton Balistreri, and 10 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Gloria Crain, Fredricksburg, TX.

She lived her life to the fullest, always engaged in the happenings of her large family and friends. She will be missed by everyone who had the good fortune of knowing her.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 from 6-8:30 PM at Kraeer Funeral Home, 119 NE 36th Street, Pompano Beach, FL 33064 (memorial service to begin at 7:00 PM). A funeral mass celebrating her life will be held the following day, May 25, 2017 at 9:30 PM at Saint Paul-Apostle Catholic Church, 2700 NE 36th Street, Lighthouse Point, FL. Burial to follow at City of Pompano Beach Cemetery, 400 SE 23rd Avenue, Pompano Beach, FL.

In lieu of flowers, we would welcome donations in memory of Rita Balistreri to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142 (Email: [email protected])

Arrangements under the direction of Kraeer Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Pompano Beach, FL.