Dominick J. Balistreri

Dominick Balistreri, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2026, in Auburn, New York. Born on January 25, 1947, in the heart of Manhattan, New York City, Dominick's journey through life was marked by his passion, love, and friendly spirit that touched all who knew him.

A graduate of Jamesburg High School, Dominick furthered his education at Grove City College, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Psychology after receiving a soccer scholarship to attend. His academic achievements were only the beginning of a life full of accomplishments and joyous moments.

Dominick's professional life was as vibrant as his personality. He built a successful career as a salesman, dedicating years of service to Roadway Trucking, Red Star Express, and New England Motor Freight, where his talents were recognized, earning him the title of NEMF Senior Account Executive of the Year in 1996. His work ethic and charismatic approach left a lasting impact on his colleagues and clients alike.

Outside of his career, Dominick's interests were vast and varied. At the young age of 10, he received his first train set, igniting a lifelong passion for trains that he carried with him throughout his life. His early years were also marked by a love of baseball, where he shined as part of the South County Junior Baseball League Champions in 1962, coached by his father, Albert. As the years progressed, Dominick transitioned from the diamond to the greens, where he became a caddy at Forsgate Country Club in the 1960s. His love for golf flourished, and he went on to become the Knobb Hill Course Champion in 1999. Throughout his golfing journey, Dominick proudly scored two hole-in-ones—an achievement he cherished. Dominick continued to pursue his passion for golf into his mid and late life, often alongside his special golf buddy, Dale Baker.

Family was the cornerstone of Dominick's world. He was a devoted husband to Bonita Baker for 36 years and a loving father to Laura Carstenson. His grandchildren, Anthony Gimello, Nicholas Young, and Alaina Hudson, brought him immeasurable joy. Dominick's stepchildren, Paul and Melissa Hudson, and his extended grandchildren, Donella Harvey, Derrick Harvey, and Daymian Harvey, were a source of pride and happiness. His sister, Ann Louise Buezek, and her husband, Robert, along with his nephew, Robert, and his wife, Lisa, and their children, Noah and Ava, as well as his niece, Kim, and her husband, Paul, held a special place in his heart.

Dominick's love extended to the Baker family, where he shared a particularly close bond with Sister Beverly Baker, Margaret Moulton and her husband Butch, Joan Clingerman, David Baker and his wife Donna, John Baker and his wife Kathy, Sharon Hudson and her husband Joel, and Gerard Baker and his wife Jeannen.

Predeceased by his beloved parents, Catherine and Albert Balistreri, Dominick's life was a testament to the love and values they instilled in him. He was also predeceased by his stepchildren, Paul and Melissa Hudson, and his grandson, Anthony Gimello. His warmth and generosity knew no bounds, and his infectious laughter and kind-hearted nature will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Dominick Balistreri's life was a beautiful tapestry woven with love, laughter, and the pursuit of his passions. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness and a reminder to cherish the simple joys in life, always with a smile. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to cross paths with this remarkable man.

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