Obituary of Leo B. Balistreri

Leo B. Balistreri GENEVA - In loving memory of our father and grandfather, Leo Bernard Balistreri, who on Saturday, August 13, 2011, left his earthly family to join his Heavenly family. Friends may call Thursday 1-3pm and 5-7pm (August 18, 2011) at the Palmisano-Mull Funeral Home, LLC, 28 Genesee Street, Geneva. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 am (August 19) at St. Francis De Sales Roman Catholic Church. Burial will be at Glenwood Cemetery, Geneva. He was born on January 23, 1922 to Leo and Mary (Bushlack) Balistreri. He attended St Francis De Sales Grammar School and De Sales High School. He joined the military in 1942 where he was trained as a B-17 tail gunner and for several years was an air traffic controller for the military. In 1946 he returned home and trained for his pilot's license. Leo worked at Hulse Manufacturing Co., where he was a machinist. While at the Hulse, he met and later married Josephine (Venterea) Balistreri. He retired from Hulse Manufacturing Co. after 39 years of service. Also during that period he owned and operated Leo's TV and Repair Shop. Leo was a life long practicing member of St. Francis De Sales Church. He was also a member of many charitable organizations including the Boys Clubs of America, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Sisters of Mercy and others. Leo enjoyed outdoor sports his entire life. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. In Leo's younger years, he was an Olympic class swimmer and won several awards for his swimming ability. From the late 1950's through the 1970's he was a champion skeet shooter and has won many awards and trophies. He was Remington's (Shooting Star) and Winchester's (Shooting Ace) for several of those years. He was ranked 4th in the nation by N.S.S.A. (National Skeet Shooting Association). He won several New York State top gun titles as well. Leo is survived by his three children; Marlene Balistreri, David (Nancy) Balistreri Sr., and Elaine Balistreri all of Geneva, New York, several grandchildren; Josephine (Nick) Hippey, David Jr., Ila, Christine, Tiffany (expecting his first great-grandchild in March), Sarah and Jonathan Balistreri, who were his best friends, all of Geneva, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Josephine (Venterea) Balistreri, his brothers; Frank (Mary) Balistreri and Laurence "Larry" (Thalia) Balistreri and daughter, Rose (Susano) Rivera. We love you. You will be greatly missed.