March
20, 1931 - Sept. 3, 2009MISHAWAKA - (Lawrence) Jerry Balestri, 78, owner of the Covey Restaurant (located in downtown Mishawaka) from 1970 thru 1985, went to eternal life on September 3rd in his home after a lengthy illness surrounded by his family. Jerry lived out his Catholic faith as best he could. Following are some thoughts Jerry wanted to share with everyone upon his death: "I tell you with all my belief that the greatest peace of mind is found in God, always believe in God." Learn the Ten Commandments and try to always follow them. No matter how many things go wrong in your life just always remember that there is one thing that no one can take away from you and that is your faith in God." "Always remember that there are people worse off than yourself." "Never be ashamed that you are a Christian." "There are a lot of pleasures in the world that you can enjoy without offending God. Live your life to the fullest and pray for me and all of us of little faith." Jerry's faith, courage and determined strength mixed with a sense of humor in dealing with his third type of cancer will always be remembered by his family and all who served him in his final illness. Jerry served the community of Mishawaka as past president of the Mishawaka Downtown Association, past president of the Mishawaka Redevelopment Commission, and was a member of the Mishawaka Board of Zoning Appeals. He was an usher at Sacred Heart Parish, Notre Dame, a Deputy Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus #1878 Mishawaka, a current member of Knights of Columbus #553 in South Bend, Moose Lodge #599 in Elkhart, Clay Township Democratic Club, and the Mishawaka High School Alumni Association. Jerry is survived by his wife of 58 years, Eileen; daughters, Diane (Mike) Gray of Sun Prairie, WI, Cherie (Dan) Sheets of Mishawaka; and a son, Bruce (Pam) Balestri of Portage, MI. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Doug (Leigh Ann) Gray, Bryan and Chris Gray, all of Grand Rapids, MI, Jessica (Josh) Berns of Mishawaka, Amber and Lauren Balestri of Portage, MI; and his sister, Vivian Benjamin of South Bend. He also has a great-granddaughter due in October. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Bruno and Elizabeth (DePrato) Balestri, as well as by an infant daughter, Deborah Ann. Friends may visit with the family from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, September 8th, in the Bubb Funeral Chapel, 3910 N. Main St., Mishawaka. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on the University of Notre Dame on Wednesday, September 9th, at 3:30 p.m. In memory of Jerry, contributions may be made to any of the following charities: The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., in thanksgiving for all their compassionate care, The Homeless Center of South Bend or to the Humane Society of St. Joseph County. Friends may sign an online guestbook at bubbfuneralchapel.com and express their condolences to the family.