Davis Balestracci, 84, of New Bedford died August 18, 2007 at home after a long illness.
He was the husband of Mary (Orabona) Balestracci with whom he shared 58 years of marriage.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Louis and Elvira (Baldini) Balestracci, he lived in New Bedford all of his life.
Mr. Balestracci was a communicant of St. Francis of Assisi Church. He served his church as a Eucharistic Minister and usher and was the recipient of the Marian Medal from the Diocese of Fall River for his years of service to his parish. Mr. Balestracci was a member of the St. Francis of Assisi Men's League.
He proudly served the City of New Bedford as a police officer for 35 years until his retirement in 1986.
He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the 711th military police battalion stationed in Seattle, WA.
Mr. Balestracci was a gifted and talented artist and he especially enjoyed painting ships and scenes from New Bedford's whaling era.
Survivors include his wife; a son, Davis Balestracci, Jr. of Portland, ME; a daughter, Judith Besse, and her husband William, of New Bedford; a sister, Anita Belliveau of Fairhaven; five grandchildren, Julia Balestracci, Andrea Hostetler, Susannah Balestracci, Justin Besse and Nathan Besse; and several nieces and nephews.
He was the brother of the late Louis Henry Balestracci, Mary Johnson, Joseph Balestracci and Baptiste Balestracci.
Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford Tuesday, August 21st at 9 AM. Funeral Mass in St. Francis of Assisi Church at 10 AM. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Monday, August 20th from 4-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Southcoast Hospice, 200 Mill Rd., Fairhaven, MA 02719.