FELT – (BELLUNO) – He died yesterday in hospital Feltre at 79 years old the historic goldsmith from Feltre Giovanni Balestra. He died after a long illness, which however had also allowed him to leave the house until a few months ago. He was born in Fonzaso, he leaves behind his brothers Laura and Carlo, his grandchildren Linda, Luca, Giorgio and Giannantonio and many friends and relatives. In his last years as a pensioner, he lived in via Primo Maggio in the Cubia area, a place on the side of the provincial road with many prestigious villas, from where you can see Lake Corlo. He was assisted in his last years by the good Giustina, who is also remembered in the epigraph with a specific thank you.
The goldsmith arrived at Arsié as a young man from his native Fonzaso having inherited the goldsmith’s shop from relatives which was at the beginning of Via Crocera where this street merges with Piazza Guglielmo Marconi. He married Nives Strappazzon, a town hall employee, who died a few years ago, and with her he also had a long career as a generous sponsor of various events, many of which were sporting. Perhaps the last time he was seen active in public was in the parish church of Incino on the occasion of his visit to the mechanical nativity scene of the parish of Incino two Christmases ago. Then there were still some outings even a few months ago, as long as he was capable.
THE SHOP
His goldsmith’s shop continued and continues to be open with a change of management and ownership when he was no longer able to work independently, especially after the death of his wife Nives, who was also a dear figure in the social life of Arsedo, which many they remember Giovanni Balestra’s inseparable companion who also had the name of Felice. His brother Carlo, resident in Feltre, is a well-known Alpine member of the Ana section of Feltre, often present at the black feather festivals throughout the Feltre area and beyond and is part of the National Board of the Black Feathers of Italy. Carlo Balestra was also a candidate a few years ago as mayor in the municipal elections of Feltre and therefore entered the City Council in the municipality of Colle delle Capre to the satisfaction of his brother who lives in Arsié. The funeral rite of Giovanni Balestra will be celebrated in the Archpriest Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Arsié almost in front of his historic goldsmith’s shop at 3pm on Tuesday 18 June 2024.
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FELTRE – (BELLUNO) – The historic Feltre goldsmith Giovanni Balestra died yesterday at the Feltre hospital at the age of 79. He died after a long illness, which however had …
