Dominic Joseph Balestra

Dominic Joseph Balestra of Pelham Manor passed away at Calvary Hospital on Tuesday, November 8th 2016. He was 69 years old. Born in Philadelphia, PA to Louis and Rose Balestra he was one of four children. He graduated from St. Francis University in Loretto, PA and went on to study mathematics at the University of Maryland and then to St. Louis University, MO from which he earned his Doctorate in Philosophy. While teaching and studying towards his degree, Dominic married Mary (Mamie) Luckett in 1974. The couple moved to Westchester County, NY in 1975 and raised their three children in Pelham. Dominic was appointed to the faculty at Fordham University in the Bronx where he enjoyed a long and successful career as a professor of Philosophy.. Dom also served the University as Dean of Faculty in the School of Arts and Science. Throughout his long battle with cancer, Dominic never retired and continued teaching and mentoring students.

A peaceful and spiritual man, Dominic was a faithful member of St. Catharine's Church in Pelham. He also served as President of The American Catholic Philosophical Association, and was a member of The American Philosophical Association and The Metaphysical Society. He loved to read and travel. He was an educator at heart; he loved teaching and was devoted to the Fordham community. He loved his Fordham family but above all, he loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and his many friends.

Dominic is survived by his wife of 42 years, Mamie and his children: Elisa Balestra (Eric Zeszotarski), Michael (Danielle) and Annie (Anthony) Ferrante. He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Alice & Samuela Balestra and Lucas & Livia Ferrante. He remains in the hearts of his mother, Rose, his twin brother Louis, and his two sisters Elaine Milacci and Anita Cellucci.

A celebration of Dominic's life will take place at Pelham Funeral Home, 64 Lincoln Avenue, Pelham, NY on Friday, November 11 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, November 12th at St. Catharine's Church, 25 Second Avenue, Pelham, NY. Interment will follow the Mass at Holy Sepchuler Cemetery, New Rochelle, NY. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made in Dominic's name to Calvary Hospital, Bronx, NY or Sidney Kimmel Center for Prostate and Urologic Cancers at MSKCC. For more information please visit www.pelhamfuenral.com.