David J. Balestrino, Sr.

YOUNGSTOWN – David J. Balestrino Sr., 62, passed away peacefully with his family by his side, Saturday afternoon, Aug. 13, 2016, at Meridian Arms following an extended illness.

David was born March 26, 1954, in Youngstown, a son of Jerome and Jennie Hlebovy Balestrino. He was raised in Hubbard, was a 1972 graduate of Hubbard High School, and was a lifelong area resident.

Throughout his colorful career, Dave was a salesman for Kroehle Lincoln-Mercury, Grace Exterminating, Terminex, and Nationwide Insurance. An entrepreneur at heart, Dave owned a lottery shop in downtown Youngstown, several car lots in the area, as well as the Plaza Inn in Hubbard and Bob’s Inn in Youngstown.

Dave was a member of St. Christine Church in Youngstown.

He leaves his faithful and attentive wife, Barbara A. Nick Balestrino, whom he married Oct. 3, 1987, who loved him in sickness and in health; his son, David J. Jr. (Abbie) Balestrino of Youngstown; his mother, Jennie Balestrino of Boardman; two grandsons, Brady and Dominic; a sister, Nancy (Ron) Ferraro of Poland; many extended family members, including an uncle, Robert Balestrino, with whom he was very close; and his constant canine companion, Doogie.

His father, Jerome, preceded him in death.

An avid fisherman and hunter, Dave was a member of Bass Masters, Whitetails Unlimited and the NRA. Some of his best times were the all-night fishing trips on the Ohio River, just him and his best friend, his son, Dave Jr., or the all-guy nights spent at the trailer at Lake Milton, with his son and grandsons. There was nothing he enjoyed more than a day of hunting or fishing with the two most special people to him – his grandsons.  He took every opportunity he could to spend time with them outdoors; boating, riding four-wheelers, or walking through the woods. As time went on and he could no longer do those things, the good times became “weekend sleepovers at Grandpa’s.” Enough laughs were shared by all to fill a lifetime with memories.

Family and friends may gather to celebrate Dave’s life and support Dave’s family on Friday. Aug. 19, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 North Meridian Road, Youngstown.

Dave’s family would like to thank the staff with the Cleveland Clinic and with Meridian Arms for the wonderful care given to him, as well thanks to the neighbors and friends who have shown so much love and support during Dave’s illness.

Dave was awaiting a liver transplant, and to help others, his family asks that monetary contributions be made in Dave’s memory to Lifebanc, 4775 Richmond Road, Cleveland, OH 44128, or through their website, lifebanc.org. Dave also loved his rescue dogs and contributions may also be made in Dave’s memory to Friends of Fido, P.O. Box 14155, Poland, OH 44514, or through the friendsoffidomahoning.org website.