Francesco Frank Balestriere, age 64, of Erma passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 31st at Mount Sinai Hospital in N. Y. Born in Ischia, Italy, he was a resident here since 1962. He mastered his carpentry craft working for Custom Craft Cabinetmakers and went on to start his own business with Frank Balestriere Building, Inc. He also opened Vesuvios Pizzeria in Rio Grande, serving Italian specialties. He was a member of St. Anns Church of Wildwood, Bayshore Sportsmans Club and a former member of the Sons of Italy in Wildwood. He enjoyed watching old cowboy movies, listening to music by Andrea Boccelli, growing his vegetable garden and spending time with his family. Surviving are his wife of 43 years, Tina; his mother, Ersilia of Ischia, Italy; a son, Sebastian and wife Gina of W. Deptford, NJ a daughter Lisa and husband Dr. Tom Dierkes of Avalon, NJ and daughter Angela and husband Mitch Plenn of Erma; a brother, Nino of Italy; two sisters, Maria Renna of Italy and Anna Balestriere of Williamstown, NJ; seven grandchildren, Dana, Matthew, Alaina, Michael, Rosa, Noah and Anthony. He was preceded in death by a brother, Mario and his father, Sebastian. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, Nov. 5th, 11 AM at St. John of God Church, Town Bank Rd., N. Cape May, NJ where friends may call from 10 AM. Burial will be in St. Marys Cemetery, Cold Spring, NJ.

Evoy Funeral Home.