MADISON-Samuel J. Balistreri, age 93, passed away on April 17, 2015. He was born on October 4, 1921, in Milwaukee, WI, the son of Frank and Anna Balistreri.

Sam was raised in Milwaukee and attended St John's High School, where he met his loving wife Mary D’Amato. At age 21, he left to serve in the 9th Army Air Corps during World War II and fought in both the Normandy Invasion and the Battle of the Bulge.

Sam built a very successful career in the produce business. When he first moved to Madison, he started Fruit Ranches on Whitcomb Drive and Monroe Street. He later joined the A.J. Sweet Company, where he worked for 50 years as General Manager. Sam 'Paly' was known and admired by many of the Wisconsin area restaurant, hotel, and supermarket owners, working around the clock to ensure they received the best possible service. Sam enjoyed traveling, golf, fishing, bowling, and listening to Frank Sinatra.

Sam was very proud of his Sicilian heritage, cherished his family, and enjoyed cooking and eating good food. He was a member of the Italian Workman's Association, Westside Businessman's Association, and St. Thomas Aquinas Parish.

Sam is survived in death by son, Frank (Mary) Balistreri (Mpls); son, Ted (Mary) Balistreri (Msn); son, Bob (Leonida) Balistreri (SC); son Joe (Judy) Balistreri (Msn); his 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; and many who called Sam their best friend. He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary Josephine and son John (Margaret) Balistreri.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors and St Mary's Care Center.

The family would like to thank Dr. Timothy Lechmaier and Dr. Diana Choles for the years of compassionate care, as well as the caregivers at St. Mary’s Hospital and Care Center.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be officiated by the Very Reverend Fr. Rick Heilman and concelebrated by Fr. Bart Timmerman and Monsignor Delbert Schmelzer at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2015, at ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 602 Everglade Drive, Madison, WI. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. At the church. A private entombment will be held at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery for family members.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home
& Cremation Services
5701 Odana Road
608-274-1000

Samuel Balistreri

October 04, 1921 - April 17, 2015

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