James Michael Balestrieri

James Michael Balestrieri, 66, of Narragansett, RI, passed away unexpectedly June 4th, 2015. He was born on April 27th, 1949, in Pawtucket, RI, the son of the late Michael Balestrieri, of Brooklyn, NY, and Martha (Ellston) Balestrieri of Narragansett, RI. He graduated from the University of Rhode Island where he earned his BS in Computer Science. James Michael Balestrieri worked closely with the Naval Undersea Warfare Center as a defense contractor for many years before his retirement. Throughout his career, James was a computer systems coordinator for multiple defense systems. After retiring, James devoted the majority of his time to his two children and his beloved pets. James was a long time member of the Newport Rifle Association as well as a fierce supporter of animal’s rights groups such as the World Wildlife Foundation and Best Friends Animal Society. James is survived by his two loving daughters, Sara Grace Balestrieri, 22, and Sophia Genevieve Balestrieri, 19, both of Narragansett, RI. Service will be held within the family. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to the Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, UT 84741.