Eleanor R. Balestra

Eleanor R. ?Ellie? Balestra, 73, of Amsterdam, passed away Friday morning January 12, 2007 at home with her family at her side. Born in Amsterdam, New York on May 10, 1933 a twin daughter of Dominick and Marina Rosatell Reali; she was a lifelong Amsterdam resident and was a 1951 graduate of the former Wilbur H. Lynch High School. Ellie worked for over 20 years as a clerk for Mohasco Industries in Amsterdam. She also was employed by Traveler?s Insurance and Liberty Enterprises. She was a parishioner of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Roman Catholic Church and most recently attended Mass at St. Mary?s Roman Catholic Church both in Amsterdam. She was also a member of St. Mary?s Auxiliary, the Cranesville Country Cousins Seniors Group and the Lunch Bunch Group. Ellie loved to travel and cook for special occasions and gatherings. She enjoyed animals and her dogs Mickey and Puff. Above all she enjoyed being around her family and friends. She married Daniel Balestra on April 15, 1955; he passed away in February of 1976. She is survived by her companion, Woodrow ?Woodie? St. Amour of Amsterdam; one son, Daniel P. Balestra of Johnstown, New York; two brothers, Joseph Reali of Johnstown and John Reali Pam of Tewksbury, Massachusetts and two sisters, Evelyn Bianchi John of Amsterdam and her twin sister, Eda DiCaprio of Amsterdam. Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 15, 2007 at 8:30AM at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:15AM at St. Mary?s Roman Catholic Church, Main St., Amsterdam. Interment will be in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Amsterdam. The family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday January 14th, 2007 from 2-5:00PM at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice, Gloversville, NY 12078.