Patrick Ray Balisteri

Patrick "Ray" Balisteri, age 79, a long time Hammond resident peacefully passed away at his Covington home surrounded by his loving family on Monday, March 10, 2025. He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana to the late Salvador "Sam" Balisteri and Lena Abene Balisteri. Ray was a devout Catholic who was strong in his faith and passed that trait on to his family. He enjoyed his time as a football official for 20 years. Ray was often found fishing, gardening, or working in his workshop. He was known to be quite the handyman and could fix anything with zip ties, duct tape, and bungee cords. Ray's passions in life included being a family man, spending time with his dogs, teaching his grandchildren to live life, and always letting others know they were loved. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all who knew him and will be deeply missed.

He leaves behind his wife of 59 years, Susan B. Balisteri; sons, Patrick Ray Balisteri Jr. (Jill) and Martin Joseph Balisteri (Jennifer); grandchildren, Ryan Balisteri, Peyton Balisteri (Anna), Courtney Balisteri, Parker Balisteri, and Patrick Balisteri; siblings, Brenda Morris (Scott), Greg Marten (Marley), Sammy Marten, Mary Beth Meissner (Keith), and Tommy Marten; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his father, Sam Balisteri; mom and dad, Lena Abene Marten and Frank Marten; mother and father-in-law, Sue and Martin Bonaccorso.

Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Hammond on Friday, March 14, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Hammond at 1:00 p.m. Entombment to follow in Rose Memorial Park Cemetery Mausoleum.