Michael S. Balestraci Sr. Obituary
Michael S Balestraci Sr. passed away on January 21st after a brief illness. Born and raised in Rockport, Mike was a graduate of Rockport High School class of 1981. After school, he went to work as a mechanic, alongside his father and grandfather at Central Garage in Rockport. He worked there for many years, eventually taking over when his grandfather and father passed. He worked hard running the garage by himself until it was sold in 2010. He continued his craft at Meineke in Gloucester and then Maestranzi Brothers in Beverly, until his retirement in 2022.
In his earlier years, Mike was an avid boater and lobsterman. Spending much of his life on the water, he enjoyed going to Wingaersheek on the weekends with his friends and family, as well as lobstering on the "Mocus Queen.". Mike was a passionate outdoorsman and loved taking his family on camping trips each summer and ice fishing with his buddies in the winter.
Mike also served as a fireman on the Rockport Fire Department from 1987 to 2012 and was assigned to Squad 1. His courage and compassion to help others was looked up to by all who knew and worked alongside him. He was a long-time member of the Gloucester Lodge of Elks and worked as a bartender for many years.
In recent months, Mike very much enjoyed having breakfast at the local diner, sipping his morning coffee while reading the paper at Cumbie's, and doing crossword puzzles.
Mike loved animals. He couldn't pass a dog on the street without stopping to say hello and pulling a milkbone out of his pocket for them. He loved spending time and babysitting his "grand-dogs," Ollie, Riley and Phoenix. He will be sorely missed by his Terrier, Brady. Mike also loved moseying around the backyard and caring for the chickens at his daughter's home. He is predeceased by his best friends Boo and Pal.
Mike is survived by his former wife, Judy, his son, Michael Balestraci Jr., and his wife Laura, of Gloucester, his son, Patrick Balestraci, of Rockport, his daughter Meghan B. Johanson, and her husband Shawn, of Epsom, NH. Mike is predeceased by his parents, Charles "Sonny" and Antionette Balestraci, and his sister, Cheryl Fontana.
Per his wishes, services will be private. His family and friends are encouraged to share photos and memories of Mike to [email protected]. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sweet Paws Rescue at sweetpawsrescue.org/donations. Arrangements by the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester.
