Peter K. Ballesty, beloved son and brother, lost his battle with the disease of addiction Saturday morning at his home in Congers, NY. Pete graduated from Clarkstown North High School in 2000. He continued his studies at SUNY Oswego, earning a BA in Creative Writing in 2004. A tattoo artist by trade, Pete will be remembered for the myriad words he produced that will love on past him.
Pete is survived by his parents, Peter J. Ballesty and Dianne W. Ballesty, sister, Taryn Ballesty Harrigan, brother in law, John Harrigan and loved ones. He will be remembered by all as a kind, soft-spoken soul who viewed life differently than most. His art, music, and writing reflected a kind nature befitting a man of peace.
There are no words to express the pain of those Pete leaves behind. There is only the thought that his personal struggle is now over and he has found some peace. "After life's fitful fever, he sleeps well."
Family will receive visitors on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9pm at Michael J. Higgins Funeral Home, 113 Lake Road East, Congers, NY 10920. A service will take place at the funeral home at Thursday at 1:30pm. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in honor of Pete to a college fund for his niece. Please send donations c/o Peter J. Ballesty, PO Box 215, 75A Lake Road, Congers, NY 10920. All donations will be placed in trust for Pete's niece.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
November 6, 2020
Friend
CONCETTA McQUADE
We speak of Peter often. He is always remembered with love and a sense of loss. Our family was honored to have been able to share a part of his life when he dated our daughter. They remained friends and was considered
a family member to all of us. We are happy that our family has maintained
a relationship with his wonderful Mom and Dad.
March 11, 2017
Mom
December 7, 2015
Never forgotten.
July 18, 2015
Gail Newcomb
You will live on in many peoples' memories. Every time I see my tattoos, I remember who did them.
July 16, 2015
-Erin
Thinking of you tonight pete. I miss your voice so much ❤
November 16, 2014
Gail Newcomb
October 29, 2014
Bill Sheron
Pete was my introduction to college. He was different from all my old friends, but we clicked for some reason. He made me appreciate punk culture while I tried to show him aspects of where I came from. We respected one another, and from our differences we formed a bond which wouldn't have happened had we not been haphazardly thrown into dorm rooms next to each other and for that I'm forever grateful. He'd probably make fun of me for writing a mushy post like this but I miss you man.
May 15, 2014
Monica Emanuele
Peter I miss you everyday. My heart is so broken. There is not one day that goes by that I don't miss you. I will love you forever "Chalky White" we will be reunited I look forward to that day. Love always baby, Monica aka "Sheena" was a punk rocker. Xoxo. ??
April 24, 2014
Maryrose
I'm just finding out about Pete's passing now. I'm so sorry for your loss. In the short time I knew Pete we became fast friends. He holds a very special place in my heart and I will miss him dearly.
March 22, 2014
Matt Roxo
I was Pete's roomate throughout college and I cannot say I have met a more influential person in my life. He opened me up to a whole new outlook on life and left a last impacting on me and others. Pete was always considered to be a true friend and I will never forget the times we had. Miss you buddy.
February 3, 2014
Kirk Rich
Pete was an amazing person and friend. I have so much of his work on me and he will live on in it. I wish i got to see him after i move to California. Much love Pete rest easy
January 9, 2014
Anna Kupchik
Please accept our condolences from the entire staff of Kupchik Dental. For the short time we knew Peter, he was a warm and kind person.
Our sincere apologies,
Dr. Anna Kupchik & Staff
January 7, 2014
January 7, 2014
December 14, 2013
Gennady D.
It was an honor to get to know you this past summer. We went through some interesting times together. You opened my eyes and my mind on a lot of issues. I wish I had more time to get to know you. I'll always be grateful for the times we had. Rest in peace my friend.
December 7, 2013
Elissa Morrow
I'm richer for have knowing you Pete. I'm sorry I didn't make it to New Yawk for our cawfee. 10 years later I remember our meeting like it was yesterday. I'll always love you x
December 2, 2013
Sean D
I was lucky enough to meet Pete this summer and he helped me through a very tough time in my life. Pete always kept a smile on his face and was an awesome person to be around. Even though I only knew Pete for a short amount of time some of our conversations I will never forget. I was very upset when I heard of his passing and my thoughts prayers and condolences go to his family and his loved ones. Pete thank you for everything, you will be missed.
Sean
December 2, 2013
Erin
Always in my heart and never more than a thought away. Rest well my friend.
November 19, 2013
Sheila Satin Big Joe & Sons Tattoo
There are no words to describe my sadness. We all have suffered a great loss. Peter was a beautiful soul.My prayers are with the Ballesty family.
November 16, 2013
Jason Shulman
Pete you were a kind soul. Sorry we lost touch over the years since Oswego but you were a great friend. I'm glad for the times we had and memories I won't forget. Rest in peace ol friend, see ya on the other side kid.
November 14, 2013
An old friend
Rest easy, Pete. You were loved and admired by so many. You will live on in all of our hearts.
November 14, 2013
Dianne, Peter, Taryn and John,
So brief Pete's time.
So sad his loss.
As you celebrate Pete's life and cherish the many memories of your beautiful, gentle son and brother, I hope your hearts lighten and that you find peace and comfort.
Know that my heart goes out to you in sorrow and love.
Carol Saraullo
November 14, 2013
Pete, Dianne, & Taryn ~ All our love and prayers are with you.
~The Millers
November 13, 2013
OUR SINCEREST CONDOLENCES TO THE BALLESTY FAMILY. THE 'OPEN ARMS' FAMILY.
November 13, 2013
Barbara Schiraldi
Taryn, we are so sorry for your loss. We want to offer you our condolences. We are here if you need anything.
Love,
Paul, Barbara, Alex and Nick Schiraldi
November 13, 2013
Joe Pavelka
Pete was an awesome guy. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and freinds. Back in 2009 he gave me the most perfect tattoo for the passing of one of my best friends, and now it holds even more meeting not for one, but now for two amazing guys. Im proud to say Pete had helped me through a tough time with his amazing art work. He will be greatly missed. Sending my love and prayers from Baltimore.
November 13, 2013
An old friend
May God keep Peter safe, as he awaits his family
November 13, 2013
charles lewis
Peter is like a brother to me I love and miss u bro knowing u never will be forgotten ever I wish we had more time
November 13, 2013
May God hold you in his arms- there is no greater loss than a child- My prayers are will all of you as I too know what this disease has taken from our children and us
November 12, 2013
Jim McG
Pete was one of the nicest people I have ever met. I will always look fondly of the times with the crew, skating at Congers Elementary, talking about life and music and understanding being a teenager. Pete was a great guy, a great friend and I am sickened to hear of his passing. Im happy to know I have art of his to carry with me.
You will be missed brother and are in a better place now.
November 12, 2013
Bari Oswald
My sincerest condolences to the Ballesty family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Pete was such a kind, gentle endearing and sweet soul. He will be missed by many. I'm so sorry. I will miss seeing him. I pray joyful memories of Pete will carry you through. God Bless!
November 12, 2013
Age does not matter, my son lost his battle with leukemia at 4 years, your son lost his battle as an adult but the lose is the same to the loved ones left behind.Remember the joy, smile when you think of him and please know that my heart is with you.
Fondly Karyn Kornreich
November 12, 2013
Deb and Bob Manzi
Our thoughts and Prayers are with you all at this sad time. We hope you are surrounded by friends and family to give you love and support. Always, Deb and Bob Manzi
November 12, 2013
Hillary Halpern
It was an honor to know Pete. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.
November 12, 2013
Barry Bley
My deepest sympathy to you both on the loss of your son.
November 12, 2013
Dear Peter and Dianne,
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Your son was the love of my life. His sarcasm and wit and intelligence made him loveable to all. My condolences from my heart, Monica.
November 12, 2013
Tom McTaggart
Dianne,Pete, and Taryn
My heart, my prayers, and thoughts are with you right now. May peace be yours as well.
November 12, 2013
My sincere condolences to the Ballesty family. May the love of family and friends sustain you during this difficult time.
Job 5:20
November 12, 2013
Our thoughts an prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Maria and Richard Rossi
November 12, 2013
Gail Newcomb
Pete was a very kind, funny man, and a very talented artist. I am grateful to have met him, and deeply saddened that he left this world so soon. My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family and friends. I have two beautiful tattoos that he did, which I will always remember him by.
November 12, 2013
Denise D'Andrea
Dianne and Pete, so ,so sorry to hear.My prayers are with you.
November 12, 2013
Ray Dietrick
Pete is one the nicest people I've had the privilege of being friends with. My deepest condolences to your family. I love and I miss you brother.
November 11, 2013
Sharon Klass
Beautiful words to honor Pete's life. Our thoughts are with you.
November 11, 2013
Jack O'Reilly
Diane- I am deeply sorry for your loss. My sincere sympathies go out to you and your family.
November 11, 2013
Dan Winfield
Diane -I well remember Peter dressed up in a Superman outfit many years ago at a RCSD outing ... he was a cutie & brought lots of smiles to everyone. Marianne & I send positive energies your way as you deal with & work through this very difficult time. Dan
November 11, 2013
CONCETTA McQUADE
DEAR DIANNE, PETE AND TARYN
WE ARE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. PETER WAS A GENTLE SOUL WITH A PURE HEART. OUR FAMILY WAS HONORED TO HAVE KNOWN HIM AND SHARE IN HIS LIFE THE YEARS HE DATED MELISSSA. WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HIM WITH LOVE
CHET & KEN McQUADE
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Funeral services provided by:
Michael J. Higgins Funeral Service113 Lake Road East, Congers, NY 10920
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