Pizzeria Owner Steven Christopher Balasco, of Warren, Dies at 61
Monday, December 27, 2021
Steven Christopher Balasco, 61, of Warren, RI, passed away, Friday, December 24, 2021, at Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI.
He was the beloved husband of Michaela K. (Conley) Balasco.
Born in Providence, RI, he was the son of Elizabeth "Betty" (Rawcliffe) Balasco of Barrington, RI, and the late Robert Balasco.
Steven was the owner and operator of Balasco's Pizza and Balasco's Painting of Warren for many years. Both businesses brought Steve and his family so much joy and many employees who became like family throughout the years. Steven overcame the many challenges of his youth, breaking free of his wheelchair and leg braces, never looking back, running faster, and working harder than anyone else around him ever since.
He was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox, the New England Patriots, and the PC Friars, but above all, Steven loved supporting his local community with the many events and fundraisers he put on with family and friends, Warren's Annual Family Fun Day included. Whether it was to support the Best Buddies Organization, a local sport's team, or a family in need, Steven always stepped up.
When he wasn't working, planning another event, or cooking for his family, you could often find Steven wandering around town, having breakfast with friends at Rod's, or enjoying a cabinet in his "office," Delekta's Pharmacy. He and his wife Michaela could often also be found enjoying a meal at a local restaurant or listening to his dear friend Neal Vitullo and his band play all of the classics. Every meal was filled with countless stories of the good old days growing up with his brothers on County Road and Sowam Road in Barrington, playing softball with his friends, and bartending at Jack's Bar on Thanksgiving morning. Steven was the very best storyteller.
What he enjoyed most, though, was spending time with his family and supporting his kids and grandkids in everything they did, especially sports. Steven and his wife Michaela were long time volunteers for and supporters of Warren Little League and the East Bay Warriors Pop Warner organizations, but Steve was truly in all of his glory when playing Wiffle ball in the backyard or watching his kids and grandkids on the field, the mat, the ice, the court, and the sidelines. Whether it was cooking on the grill for them, sitting by the fire in the backyard with them, or waking them up at quarter of nine for breakfast at Point Sebago in Maine countless summers throughout the years. Steven loved his family and did everything for him.
Besides his wife and mother, he is survived by three sons, Christian R. Balasco of Warren, RI, Robert J. Larisa III and his wife Amanda of Bristol, RI, and Craig M. Larisa and his wife Ali of Black River, NY, a daughter, Julia S. Balasco of Warren, RI, a brother, Richard Balasco and his wife Jayne of Warren, RI, a sister-in-law Rita Balasco of North Branford, CT, and six grandchildren, Hailee, Aiden, Ava, Jayden, Wyatt, and Payton. He was also the brother of the late, Robert Balasco. Steve also leaves behind countless nieces and nephews, as well as his goddaughters.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, from 4-8 pm in Smith Funeral & Memorial Services, 8 Schoolhouse Rd, Warren, RI.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 30, 2021, at 9 am from Smith Funeral & Memorial Services, 8 Schoolhouse Rd., Warren, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am in St. Mary of the Bay Church, 645 Main Street, Warren.
Burial will follow in St. Mary of the Bay Cemetery, Vernon Street, Warren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Mary of the Bay Food Pantry, 645 Main Street, Warren, RI, 02885.
Masks are required to be worn at the funeral home.
Information/On-Line condolences please visit Smith Funeral Home & Memorial Services.
