Thomas J. Balistrieri

Thomas Joseph Balistrieri passed away peacefully at home at the age of 91 surrounded by his daughters (Laurie, Lisa, Lynn, Leslie) on October 11, 2021. He joins his wife Jervaise, parents Antonio and Clara, and brothers Felix and Salvatore in their eternal Heavenly home. Born May 6, 1930 in Milwaukee Wisconsin, Tom graduated from Marquette University where he also joined the ROTC. Tom met his wife during his senior year at his uncle Joe LoCicero’s restaurant during a military recruiting event. Upon graduation, he married his wife of 69 years Jervaise Rae (nee Robinson) Balistrieri and promptly boarded an airplane to San Diego, California as an enlisted officer in the United States Navy. He served in the Korean War aboard a mine sweeper. Upon returning to Milwaukee, Tom lived on the east-side in the Brady Street area, eventually entering the insurance business and later owning his own insurance brokerage firm-Universal Brokerage Services. He built a home in Mequon, WI, raised his family of four daughters and eventually retired to The Villages in Florida. During the last few years of his life, Tom lived at The Providence Place in Grafton where he was lovingly cared for by his family. Tom loved a good Italian meal at an array of restaurants in Milwaukee especially Mimi’s, Sally’s, Miniaci’s and The Third Ward Cafe. His favorite and most memorable moments were when the entire family came together sharing a dinner of home-made pasta, spedini, and a few (many) good bottles of wine. Tom is survived by his four daughters Laurie Balistrieri (Rick Blank), Lisa Balistrieri, Lynn (John) Doucette, and Leslie (Dave) Scherzer. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren-Corey (Ashley), Jordon (Sarah), Logan (Aaron), Andrea (John), Ross (Katie), Ryan, Nick (Marie), Zackary, Salvatore, Kayce (Jake) and 10 great-grandchildren, his loving sister Chee Chee, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. He is also predeceased by his son-in-law Craig Smith and great grandchildren Chase, Piper and CeCe. Our thanks to the wonderful care from Compassus Hospice and our college caregivers. A private interment service will be held graveside at a later date.