Donald M. Ballestro

Donald M. Ballestro, 83, of Cobden, died peacefully, Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, with family surrounding him. 

He was born in Oak Park on March 6, 1941, the son of 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 Nov. 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, he 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. 

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sandra Ballestro of Cobden; sons James (Kris) Ballestro of McKinney, Texas, and John (Julie) Ballestro of College Station, Texas; 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 his wishes, he will be cremated. Private family services will be held at Christ Episcopal Church at a later date. 

Memorials can be made to Christ Episcopal Church in Cape Girardeau or the charity of the donor’s choice. 

To view the obituary and to leave online condolences for the family, visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com. 

Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna is in charge of arrangements.