In Our Care

Steven Christopher Balasco

11/11/1960 - 12/24/2021

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Obituary For Steven Christopher Balasco

Steven Christopher Balasco, 61, of Warren, RI, passed away, Friday, December 24, 2021, at Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI. He was the beloved husband of Michaela K. (Conley) Balasco. Born in Providence, RI, he was the son of Elizabeth "Betty" (Rawcliffe) Balasco of Barrington, RI, and the late Robert Balasco. Steven was the owner and operator of Balasco's Pizza and Balasco's Painting of Warren for many years. Both businesses brought Steve and his family so much joy and many employees who became like family throughout the years. Steven overcame the many challenges of his youth, breaking free of his wheelchair and leg braces, never looking back, running faster and working harder than anyone else around him ever since. He was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox, the New England Patriots, and the PC Friars, but above all, Steven loved supporting his local community with the many events and fundraisers he put on with family and friends, Warren's Annual Family Fun Day included. Whether it was to support the Best Buddies Organization, a local sport's team, or a family in need, Steven always stepped up. When he wasn't working, planning another event, or cooking for his family, you could often find Steven wandering around town, having breakfast with friends at Rod's, or enjoying a cabinet in his "office," Delekta's Pharmacy. He and his wife Michaela could often also be found enjoying a meal at a local restaurant or listening to his dear friend Neal Vitullo and his band play all of the classics. Every meal was filled with countless stories of the good old days growing up with his brothers on County Road and Sowam Road in Barrington, playing softball with his friends, and bartending at Jack's Bar on Thanksgiving morning. Steven was the very best story teller. What he enjoyed most, though, was spending time with his family and supporting his kids and grandkids in everything they did, especially sports. Steven and his wife Michaela were long time volunteers for and supporters of Warren Little League and the East Bay Warriors Pop Warner organizations, but Steve was truly in all of his glory when playing wiffle ball in the back yard or watching his kids and grandkids on the field, the mat, the ice, the court, and the sidelines. Whether it was cooking on the grill for them, sitting by the fire in the backyard with them, or waking them up at quarter of nine for breakfast at Point Sebago in Maine countless summers throughout the years, Steven loved his family and did everything for them. Besides his wife and mother, he is survived by three sons, Christian R. Balasco of Warren, RI, Robert J. Larisa III and his wife Amanda of Bristol, RI, and Craig M. Larisa and his wife Ali of Black River, NY, a daughter, Julia S. Balasco of Warren, RI, a brother, Richard Balasco and his wife Jayne of Warren, RI, a sister in law Rita Balasco of North Branford, CT, and six grandchildren, Hailee, Aiden, Ava, Jayden, Wyatt and Payton. He was also the brother of the late, Robert Balasco. Steve also leaves behind countless nieces and nephews, as well as his goddaughters. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, from 4-8PM in Smith Funeral & Memorial Services, 8 Schoolhouse Rd, Warren, RI. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 30, 2021, at 9AM, from Smith Funeral & Memorial Services, 8 Schoolhouse Rd., Warren, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10AM in St. Mary of the Bay Church, 645 Main Street, Warren. Burial will follow in St. Mary of the Bay Cemetery, Vernon Street, Warren. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Mary of the Bay Food Pantry, 645 Main Street, Warren, RI, 02885. Masks are required to be worn at the funeral home and church. Information/On-Line condolences please visit- www.wjsmithfh.com.

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Condolences

  • 09/18/2022

    C.Brynn

    Really really good man. Condolences 💐

  • 01/09/2022

    Charles Staton

    Michaela and family,Steve was not only a great friend, he always helped out whenever i asked. He helped me with our CYO banquets every year, he helped me with painting my sons house in West Warwick. He always was a ray of sunshine. My deepest condolences. We will plant a tree in his memory. Chuck Staton

  • 12/31/2021

    ANNOTTI family

    Thank you for all the greatest pizzas at family functions, jobsite pizzas and great friendships. RIP Bud. Buzzy i know is there greeting you my friend!! You were a great man in every way. Condolences to the entire Balasco family !!

  • 12/29/2021

    Richard Bruzzese

    When my family owned Supreme Dairy Farms , I did business with Steve and his brother Rick when they first opened the pizzeria back in the early nineties supplying them with their foodstuffs. Steve was a great personality whom I enjoyed dealing with, especially when we talked baseball. I'm truly saddened to hear about the news of his passing. May God forever hold him in his eternal light as well as give his family the strength to get through this difficult time.

  • 12/29/2021

    Philip Lycurgus

    I have wonderful memories of growing up and playing ball with Steve, Rob and Rick in their backyard and Sowams School.It was so much fun horsing around and talking ball.So much so that we did it the next day and the next day and the next day,all through the summer.This was our splendor in the grass.God bless the Balasco family for they raised a family filled with compassion and charity,a family knowing that we're here on earth to help one another.My deepest condolences to all,Philip Lycurgus

  • 12/29/2021

    Theresa

    Michaela, Please extend our condolences to Jane and Millie. Theresa and Ashley Bettencourt

  • 12/29/2021

    Lorene silva

    To Betty balasco and family The loss of a good man .He will be missed by all. condolences hope Diner

  • 12/29/2021

    Theresa

    Michaels and Julia, Only time and forgiveness can heal any heartbreak or pain in the heart. My wish is for the pain to heal and give room for the happiness and love in the memories you and Julia shared with Steve. Our deepest condolences, Theresa and Ashley Bettencourt

  • 12/28/2021

    Mark Norton

    I met Steve in the early 80's working at R.I. Country Club. He was so personable, always upbeat with that incredible smile of his. Times spent with him were always special and never forgotten. It was always great to cross paths with him from time to time through the years and see that smile and catch up on where life had taken us. My sincere condolences to his family. Mark Norton

  • 12/28/2021

    Joan Hanrahan-Miller

    Steve made us laugh; he shared his stories and his events with us. He showed us how to be better people simply by being himself. He made planning and holding our class reunions fun -- and we will forever miss him. There is no doubt he is guiding his family and friends from above - sending my deepest condolences to Michaela and the entire family. #BalascoStrong

  • 12/28/2021

    Erik Olson

    My deepest sympathies to the Balasco family he was one of the kindest men I've ever been blessed to know Big Erik Olson

  • 12/28/2021

    Ruth (Seymour)Stone

    I grew up.on Sowams Road in Barrington, and remember the Balasco brothers. His brother Robert was a classmate of mine at Sowams Elementary. So very sorry to hear of his recent passing too. I don't remember Steve too well growing up. Nevertheless, I am saddened by his untimely passing. A man with a big heart filled with love for his family and community that he served so well. Called to his heavenly home way too soon. May his memory and goodness live . RIP. Ruth (Seymour) Stone

  • 12/28/2021

    Debra Romano

    My mom (Fran Nunes) always ordered her pizza and calzones from Steve for her Patriots Train tailgates. Knowing my mom, she met him at the Pearly Gates with an order for the game. May his memory be a blessing..

  • 12/28/2021

    Lynn Shaw

    Rest in peace Steve. My heart breaks for your entire family, but I know you will watch over them from heaven. You are gone to soon,as I know you had much more good work to do here.

  • 12/28/2021

    Diane Davis

    My thoughts and prayers go out to the Balasco-Larissa families at this sorrowful time. Memories of the kindness shown to the communities of Bristol and Warren are the best! Heaven has certainly gained a very special angel. Mt. Hope High School Band Camp will never be the same without all that pizza.

  • 12/27/2021

    Dave Conti

    My heart hurt when I heard this news. May you rest in peace my friend. Praying for your family. My condolences to you all.

  • 12/27/2021

    Angela Pucino

    I didn't know Steve, but I'm touched by how special he was to so many in our town. Thoughts to his family.

  • 12/27/2021

    Rebecca Petrucci

    My Condolences to the Balasco Family. Bosco had a Heart of Gold. He would help anyone in need. So many people loved him and he loved them. Great Memories I will never forget. Rest in Peace Bosco

  • 12/27/2021

    Steve Gianlorenzo

    To the Balasco Family. I am so sorry for your loss,He was always a true gentleman for the 35 years I have known Him.I had the pleasure of having breakfast with him about a month ago by chance & the last thing we said to each other was about enjoying our Grandchildren. May he Rest in Peace & God Bless. Steve Gianlorenzo

  • 12/27/2021

    Susan Migliaccio Marszalek

    I pray that that the good lord will mend your broken heart. Steve was one of a kind...he will be missed by so many! Please know that you, his family , are in the thoughts and prayers of everyone who knew him, loved him and cherished him! Blessings to you all😞❤️ Love Mig

  • 12/27/2021

    Steve Calenda

    My deepest condolence to the family and friends of Steve Balasco. To say Steve was an outstanding person would be an understatement. Anyone who knew Steve also knew he would drop everything to help you out. Steve will be missed but his legacy will live forever. Steve, although you are gone, the footprints you have left in the sand and the countless lives you have touched, will stay with all of us forever. Rest in peace my friend. Steve Calenda

  • 12/27/2021

    Rebecca Chase

    Kala and family, I am so deeply sorry for your devastating loss. Steve was truly one of a kind. His kindness and generosity towards everyone will never be forgotten. I am so sorry I can't attend the service as we are leaving on the 29th heading south. Please know I have you all in my prayers. RIP Steve 😢🙏🙏💔

  • 12/27/2021

    Kayla DeLemos

    My thoughts and prayers are with this family RIP Steve ❤️

  • 12/27/2021

    Anne saimeri

    Steve was one of my very best friends in high school- always happy. Saying hello to everyone with his big smile! 40th high school Reunion. Catering the whole spread of delicious food including his famous pizza!!! I loved the meatballs!! Always smiling. Looking after his friends. Even came To my yoga on the beach the next Morning to support his classmates. A true friend. A forever beacon of happiness. Sharing his goodness wherever he goes. Steve will be missed but I'm sure he'll be watching over us from above. Anne rosa saimeri '78

  • 12/27/2021

    Kenny Vollaro

    My friend, my brother - no one has pushed me harder or supported me more. Thank you, Steve, for everything. You are loved and missed more than you know.

  • 12/27/2021

    Bridget

    My heart breaks for your family Steve! I can't imagine their pain. I pray they find comfort in knowing you are pain free, at peace and can keep all the great memories you shared close at ❤️. No doubt you will be their guardian Angel 🙏

  • 12/27/2021

    Sharon King

    May you Rest In Peace Bosco. My sincere condolences to the family❤️

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