Michael Angelo Baliestiero of Carlisle was born on February 14 1950, an appropriate day for a man whose life was defined by his sweet heart. Born in Medford, to his loving parents Emma and Michael Baliestiero, he was the husband of Laura Baliestiero who he joyfully dated for 39 years of a love filled marriage.
During Michael’s life he was known as a "legend" in the Hot Rod community and automotive world. He obtained boxes and boxes of trophies, awards and national recognition, most notable was the esteemed "Ridler Award", the country's most prestigious automotive award. Michael was also able to fix and or build anything, including the 23 homes he lived in, countless hot rods, a building he built and many other projects which he restored to their original splendor. Michael left the world a more beautiful place than when he arrived. He could truly fix anything, including a bad day, a broken heart or a tarnished soul! His biggest reward in life was his family, evidenced in the legacy of his 3 beloved Children, 4 grandchildren, siblings and 5 loved nephews and 1 niece. His adorning family will carry his memory for eternity. Michael leaves: his beloved children, Brandon Baliestiero (Angela Baliestiero) of Stoneham, Jason Baliestiero of Shirley, and his cherished daughter Micaela Baliestiero (Daniel Brodeur) of Londonderry, NH; his grandchildren, Joseph, Lily, Nicholas and Mathew Baliestiero also of Stoneham. Michael also leaves: his adored siblings: Richard Baliestiero (Madeline) of Stoneham, and Carol Rizzuto (Hugo) of Revere; his "favorite" 5 nephews and 1 niece whom he adored, Michael Rizzuto, Anthony Rizzuto, Bard Brody, Marshall Brody and Michael Baliestiero, Tiffany Marecaux along with his mother-in-law Betty Levin of Medford,.
Michael loved his life and acknowledged daily his many blessings in his actions and his words which clearly reassured everyone how important they were to him and how loved they were by him. He had an incredible gift of making you feel like the most loved person in the world. His warm hugs, his joyful greetings, his gentle strength will be missed beyond measure.
Michael was a passionate man, and in addition to passionately loving his family he loved antique cars, all animals especially his two beloved dogs Teddy and Lucky, and his horse Hobo. He loved horseback riding, team roping, family holidays and gatherings in addition to socializing with friends, going to flea markets and especially the ”Carlisle Mall". His greatest joy came was when he was helping someone out. Michael loved to travel, though he always told his wife his favorite destination was in her arms. He also loved expensive scotch, a good steak, and lots of coffee and cheap cigars.
Although those who knew him and loved him thought he was perfect, he also had the ''gift" of challenges, that only made him more real, humble, and understanding of other people's struggles...his example was to lead with compassion!
In Lieu of flowers, please: Be someone's favorite destination or in Michael’s honor "make someone's day", because that is what he did best... If so inclined feel free to donate in Michael's memory to find a cure to the horrific disease known as F.T.D. because no family should ever understand this journey or walk this path.
Dr. Brad Dickerson, Attn: FTD Research, 149 13th St Suite 2691 Charlestown, MA 02129
givingmassgeneral.org/ftdunit or to Grow A Strong Family, an organization that supports families that have loved ones with brain disorders: GASF, 101 Great Rd #179, Bedford Mass 01730
growastrongfamlily.org
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday March 18th at 10 AM in Saint Irene Church, 181 East Street, Carlisle. Please meet at church. Burial will follow at Green Cemetery, Carlisle. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit with the family at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main Street, Medford on Thursday, March 17th from 4 – 8 PM.