Hilda "Rosie" Balestino

Hilda “Rosie” Balestino, 101, of Altoona, Pennsylvania entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, surrounded by her family in Pittsburgh.

Hilda was born in Altoona, Pennsylvania on March 31, 1925, to the late Rosina (Musto) & Michael Sinisi.

In addition to her parents, Hilda is preceded in death by her loving husband, Angelo Balestino whom she married on July 17, 1948, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church and her siblings Norma Lestochi, Carmel Naperkoski, Pat Sinisi, Tony Sinisi and a son-in-law James Miller.

Hilda is survived by her loving children, Deborah Miller of Altoona, Richard Balestino, Ronald Balestino, David (Terri) Balestino all of Altoona, a daughter-in-law Pauline Balestino, her siblings; Helen Urbanek of New York, Sister Celesta of Scranton, PA., her grandchildren; Ricky, Brian, Sean, Jennifer, Adam(Rachel), Jenna (Nick) Raia, and her great grandchildren Nadia, Jordan, and Aidan and numerous nieces and nephews.

Hilda was Catholic by faith and a member of Our lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church and a Graduate of Altoona High School in 1943. Shortly thereafter Hilda worked for Vincent Horowictz Shoe Factory and Shulmans. After Marrying her Husband, Angelo, Hilda spent many years working for Gables Department Store while being a homemaker and taking care of her family. Hilda was a past member of The Order of the Sons of Italy- Blair Lodge #958 and the Ladies Auxiliary of American Legion A&JIAI

Family and Friends will be received on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 5PM until 8PM at the Santella Funeral Home, 1106 8th Avenue, where a prayer vigil for the deceased will be held with Father Frank.  

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 806 11th Street, Altoona at 12 Noon, with Interment being held Privately at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions can be sent in Hilda’s name to the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Organ Fund, 806 11th Avenue, Altoona, PA, 16602.

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