Salvatore "Ted" F. Balistreri

Ted (Salvatore) Francis Balistreri, age 88, of Boulder Junction, was Born to Eternal Life, May 29th, 2023. Ted was born on May 25th, 1935, in Milwaukee, the son of Gaetano (Tom) and Margaret (Quartullo) Balistreri. Ted was a graduate of Whitefish Bay High School and was well known in the community as the proprietor of Sendik’s Food Market in Whitefish Bay. He married the love of his life, Patricia (Patty) Thompson of Whitefish Bay on August 20th, 1965. Together they raised four children in Fox Point and Bayside. They were long-time members of St. Eugene Parish in Fox Point and current members of St. Anne’s Parish in Boulder Junction. He had many hobbies and interests. He loved woodworking and was a master craftsman and artist. He loved to garden and grew beautiful flowers and vegetables. He loved to cook and was always busy in the kitchen creating amazing meals. Golf was a passion, and he was a member of Ozaukee Country Club in Mequon for fifty seven years and member of Country Club of Naples in Naples, Florida. But his favorite golfing spot was Minocqua Country Club where he was a founding member and weekly Men’s Day participant. As a business owner he impacted the lives of employees and customers in the community with his knowledge and work ethic and his insistence on quality products, especially produce, and exceptional service. In the 1970’s, he was instrumental in transitioning Sendik’s from a fruit and vegetable market to a modern supermarket. And, in 2001, he successfully turned over the operation of the business to his four children who now own eighteen Sendik’s grocery stores in the Milwaukee area. When in town, he would make a point to visit stores and speak with everyone he could, asking questions, imparting his wisdom and sharing his positive energy. He and Patty were most happy being around family and friends, especially at their log cabin in the north woods where they spent most of their time in retirement. Ted is survived by his four children, Ted (Lisa) Balistreri, Margaret (John) Harris, Patrick (Lisa) Balistreri, and Nick (Erin) Balistreri, his eleven grandchildren, Nicole, Joey, Dominic, Michael, Stephanie, Matthew, Andrew, Lexi, Fia, Josie and Theo; his great grandson, Leo; his brother, Tom Balistreri, Jr.; and many nieces and nephews who he greatly enjoyed being with. Ted is preceded in death by his wife, Patty, of 56 years, his parents, Tom and Margaret Balistreri, and his sister, Sarina Balistreri. A memorial mass will be held on June 19th, at twelve noon at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Boulder Junction. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Anne’s Catholic Church, PO Box 110, Boulder Junction, Wisconsin 54512.

Salvatore "Ted" F. Balistreri

May 25, 1935 - May 29, 2023