Peter H Balestrieri

Peter Balestrieri, beloved painter, sculptor, fine artist, and lover of music and cuisine, passed away on January 15, 2025, in Traverse City, Michigan, surrounded by his loving family. He was 85 years old.

Born in 1939 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to parents Joseph and Eunice Balestrieri, Peter dedicated his life to both his family and his art. A talented and prolific artist, Peter worked in a wide range of styles and mediums, from traditional to abstract painting, pen and ink, watercolor, and sculpture.

His work was celebrated for its depth, expression, and mastery. Peter’s artistic journey began at a young age. As a teenager, his work was featured in the Milwaukee Journal calendars, marking the beginning of a lifelong dedication to his craft. After graduating from Riverside High School, Peter studied fine art with Gaetano “Mr. Tom” Bussalacchi and later earned a scholarship through the Italian American Service Organization, UNICO, to study in Italy. He balanced his studies between Milwaukee and Florence, Italy, where he honed his skills and developed a deep appreciation for European art.

In the 1960s, Peter returned to Milwaukee, where he raised his family and became a partner in the St. George & the Dragon art gallery on Oakland Avenue with his dear friend Gerry Broderick. He also worked at Pabst Brewery for many years, where he was an outspoken advocate for workplace matters as a union steward.

Peter’s life was enriched by his 20 years spent living, working, and exhibiting in Japan, where his wife, Elizabeth (Brownell), was a professor of English. Their time in Japan deeply influenced his work, and he continued to exhibit his art internationally. Peter’s passions were not limited to the canvas; he had a love for philosophy, politics, debates of all types, fishing, and, of course, cooking. His zest for life, his sharp mind, and his infectious enthusiasm will be missed by all who knew him.

Peter is survived by his two children, Andrea and Joseph; his four stepchildren, Gwynne, Amiee and Daniel Williams, and Sarah (Fred) Pescatore; his five grandchildren, Connor Arnodo, Caleb, Jordan and Seth Williams and Luca Wolf. He is also survived by his four siblings: Cecile Lanke (the late Terry), Ira (Gretchen), Joseph (Paula), and James (Dancy) Balestrieri. Peter was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth, who passed away in 2022.

Peter’s legacy of love, art, and family will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.

A service and celebration of life will be held this Summer in Milwaukee.

Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.