Hudson County Obituary: Michael Balesterri, Graffiti Artist and Teacher

Hudson County native Michael Balesterri passed away on Jan. 11.

The following obituary comes courtesy of Levandoski Grillo Funeral Services:

“Michael J. Balesterri, 38 of Belmar and Jersey City, entered into eternal rest on January 11th.

“Born in Jersey City, he was a graduate of Our Lady of Mercy Grammar School, Jersey City, St. Rose High School, Belmar and attained his B.A. in Elementary Education from NJCU in 2002.

“Mike had three passions; Children, Music & Graffiti Art.

“As a young child he knew he wanted to be an educator, he wanted to return to the inner city and try to make a difference in his students’ lives. He served briefly in the US Navy and was honorably discharged in 2000. He then became a teacher in the Jersey City Public School System teaching at PS 17 and PS 29. He strived to make every lesson fun while learning. Mike truly cared and prayed for each and every one of his students and their families.

“When Rap and Hip Hop became popular, Mike embraced it and began to collect 33rpm records and DJ equipment. When he was 13, he DJ’ed his first dance at OLM. However, he enjoyed all kinds of music, including Morrissey, James Taylor, The Beach Boys & John Mayer.

“Around the same time, Mike began to explore the excitement of graffiti art. It was no secret that he was passionate about this art form throughout these years as he would do his art on NYC maps or canvases and sell it on eBay. It was not until his death that his family learned that Mike had continued his graffiti art on the streets. He was the legendary RE357 “tag man” in the graffiti community, receiving condolences and tributes from as far as Canada, France, Germany, Japan and Vietnam.

“He volunteered as a member of the Jersey City Alliance for the Homeless.

“Mike always had a smile on his face, and his kindness, compassion, loving and humorous personality will always be remembered by all who knew him. He is survived by his parents, Michael & Deborah Balesterri, his brother Joseph & his wife Carrie, his sister Erica Wortman & her husband, Rick, his grandmothers, Grace Balesterri & Mildred Melone, & his adored nieces & nephews; Eve & Mae Balesterri & Maxx & Hudson Wortman. He is predeceased by his grandfathers, Joseph Balesterri & Joseph Mocknis.

“In lieu of floral offerings or sympathy cards, kindly make a contribution to the Summit Speech School, 705 Central Ave., New Providence, NJ 07974 or to the West Belmar Elementary School – Art Department, 925 17th Ave., Wall Township, NJ 07719.”