Albert L. Balestiere, 91, of Vero Beach, Florida, went to be with our Lord on May 20, 2016. Al was born in Rochester, NY on March 5, 1925. He was the son of Salvatore and Vivian Fiorini Balestiere. Al is survived by his loving wife of twenty seven years, Vesta Graham Balestiere; two sons, David and Thomas and five grandchildren: Emily, Molly, Jonathan, Joshua and Benjamin. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marilyn Newman Balestiere in 1988.

Al graduated from the Webb Institute of Naval Architecture and worked in Rochester, NY. He designed the First Federal Plaza located on the historic Genessee River. It was one of the first commercial buildings to have a revolving restaurant at the top.

Retirement brought Al to Cashiers, NC where he was involved in numerous community projects. His project, The Village Green, is a park located in the center of the town of Cashiers. Al and two of his friends purchased a parcel of land and gifted it to the community for use as a park.

Al's health was declining, so he and Vesta moved to Vero Beach, FL. Being a very creative and artistic person, he enjoyed drawing, painting, fishing, bird hunting and photography. On occasion he would hit a few golf balls. His greatest pleasure was being of service to his community.

He was a member of the Cashiers United Methodist Church, Cashiers, NC and Community Church of Vero Beach.

Al chose The Village Green as his final resting place so he could remain in Cashiers, the place he loved the most. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to VNA Hospice of Indian River County, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960, or The Village Green, PO Box 2201, Cashiers, NC 28717.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach. An online guestbook may be signed at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.