Donald M. Ballestro

Donald M. Ballestro, age 83 of Cobden, passed away peacefully, Friday, December 6, 2024 with family surrounding him. He was born in Oak Park on March 6, 1941 to Maurice H. and Hazel B. (Jewell) Ballestro.

He attended Austin High School in Chicago where he met Sandra Babcock, his future wife. They were married on November 25, 1961 at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church. They moved to Southern Illinois where he pursued a bachelor's degree in education at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Upon graduation, Don taught for two years in Kewanee before returning to SIUC to work on his master's degree in education. While there, he worked in the Housing Office as an administrator. During that time, he completed both his master's degree and doctoral degree. He retired from SIUC in 1994 from that position. In his retirement years, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and substitute teaching.

Don is survived by his wife of sixty-three years, Sandra Ballestro of Cobden; sons, James (Kris) Ballestro of McKinney, TX and John (Julie) Ballestro of College Station, TX; grandchildren, Lauren, Kyle, Annika, Alyssa and Quinn; brother-in-law, Robert Boyce of Montana; niece, Brenda Boyce of Wyoming, and nephew, David Boyce of Montana. He was preceded in death by his parents; father and mother-in-law, George and Nellie Babcock; sister, Barbara Boyce and granddaughter, Amanda Ballestro.

In accordance with Don's wishes, he will be cremated. Private family services will be held at Christ Episcopal Church at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Christ Episcopal Church in Cape Girardeau, MO or the charity of your choice.