It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Robert Peter Balestreri, born to Francis Rosario Balestreri and Palmira Mary Micheletti in San Francisco, California. Robert died peacefully on March 26, 2025, in Redwood City, California surrounded by his family at the age of seventy-nine. A loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and godfather known for his quiet strength, generous spirit, and unwavering love for his family and friends.

Robert "Rob, Bob and Bobby" to many-was a man who lived with integrity, humility, and deep devotion to those around him. He was a true family man, a loyal friend, and a guiding light to all who were lucky enough to know him.

Robert was born in 1945. He grew up in Colma, California with his parents and brother James Joseph Balestreri. He went to Holy Angels grammar school where he played basketball and learned to play the trumpet. He later attended Jefferson High School in Daly City, California where he was in band, became a strong bowler winning many awards and met the love of his life, Diana Sue Puccini. He went on to attend the College of San Mateo and graduated with an AA degree in Aeronautics in 1966. After graduating he joined the National Guard and served for six years. In 1968 he married Diana at St Peter and Paul's Church in San Francisco, California. While working as a grocery clerk and realizing he wanted more, he decided to go back to school to get his Bachelor of Arts degree at San Francisco State and graduated in 1971. Newly married, Diana and Robert moved to San Jose and bought their first home. While there he completed his Master of Arts degree in Education (Secondary Administration and Supervision) at San Jose State University and graduated in 1976. He started teaching at South San Francisco High School and later Westborough High. After some time, he was offered a position to teach welding at San Francisco City College and he took it. Robert and Diana moved to San Bruno to be closer to his work. He later taught in the engineering department and became department chair. Years after having moved to San Carlos, California, he was appointed Dean of Financial Aid of San Francisco City College and went on to become Dean of Admissions and Records. He retired from San Francisco City College in 2007 and retired from Marin College in 2012 as Dean of Admissions and Records.

Robert spent his life building a legacy grounded in hard work, wisdom, and compassion. A natural teacher and problem-solver, Robert had a knack for fixing anything-from a broken pipe to a complicated life decision-and he did it all without fanfare or the need for recognition.

His greatest joy came from the life he built with his beloved wife of 56 years, Diana, whom he cherished deeply. Together, they traveled the world and created a home filled with laughter, unconditional love, and unforgettable meals, cooked with passion and pride. They shared a partnership in life and business, encouraging my mom to leave being a homemaker and becoming her own boss where she owned Portola Day Care Centers for 25 years. Their partnership was a true reflection of their shared values - dedication, hard work, and trust.

His talents were many: teacher, leader, builder, gardener, handyman, chef, storyteller, counselor and above all, he was a mentor to so many.

Robert was a devoted father to his children, a proud grandfather, and a loving godfather and uncle. He took immense pride in his family, always putting their needs ahead of his own, and offering a steady hand and open heart to all. He enjoyed watching every baseball game, basketball game, swim meet and water polo match and hearing about every good grade and academic achievement. He cheered them on no matter where he was.

To know Robert was to feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether you were family, a friend, or someone meeting him for the first time, he made you feel like you mattered. His warmth, quiet humor, and strength of character left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Robert's memory will live on in the lessons he taught, the values he instilled, and the love he gave so freely. His legacy is etched into the hearts of all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Diana Sue Balestreri, his children, Monica Balestreri Walsh and Michael Robert Balestreri, his daughter in law Tara Jaramillo Balestreri, his son in law Stephen Patrick Walsh, his grandchildren Sean Michael Walsh, Anthony Lucca Walsh, Dominic Michael Balestreri, and Luke Charles Balestreri as well as extended family and so many friends all who will cherish his memory in their hearts forever. He is reunited in peace with his parents, Francis and Palmira and his sibling James.

A viewing and rosary will be held on April 15, 2025, at Crippen and Flynn in Belmont, California from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. and a memorial service will be held on April 16, 2025 at St Charles Catholic Church in San Carlos, California at 10:00 a.m. with a burial to follow at Holy Cross in Colma, California. Flowers can be ordered from Granaras in San Carlos or Edmunds in San Mateo and the family asks that donations be made in his name to the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center for Lymphoma Research. We will miss him more than words can express, but we find comfort in knowing that he is at peace and his love will remain with us always.