Irondequoit: Wednesday, August 15, 2012 at age 89. Predeceased by his parents, Ciro and Antoniette (Belfiore) Balzano; daughters, Joan Englert and Debra Perrotta; brothers, John, Gerald and George; sister, Mary. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Dina (Marinilli) Balzano; daughters, Geraldine (Gary) Fanale and Doreen Pietrantoni; sons-in-law, James Englert and Robert Perrotta; 10 grandchildren, Joseph Englert, Dana (Anthony) Sullivan, Anthony (Michele) Fanale, Natalie (Joseph) Magliozzi, Brian (Chrissy) Perrotta, Nicholas Perrotta, Kevin Perrotta, Dina Pietrantoni, Bianca Pietrantoni and Olivia Pietrantoni; great-grandchildren, Nathan, Morgan, Danielle, Natalie, Maeliana, Anabella, Mikayla, Valentino, Marchesa and Luke; brothers, Jack (Ann), Guido (Joyce) and Tony (Mary) Balzano; sister, Phyllis Cocio; sisters-in-law, Lena Stracco and Dona (Dave) Peak. Joe started our family and his career in Massachusetts at the Statler Hilton Hotel where he became a master of his trade. He cooked for Jack Kennedy and many large events. He expanded his talents to decorating award-winning wedding cakes at Montillio’s Bakery. In between work he enjoyed weekends at Cape Cod with his family. Joe brought his family to Rochester in 1962. He started the Country Squire Hotel in Henrietta. He went on to become famous at the Cartwright Inn. Yes, Clam Chowder was on his list. Joe was quite active with the Culinary Club, one of the founding members and was past President. He won many awards for cake and food decorating, ending his career at Midvale Country Club, where he met wonderful friends. Joe went on to travel with the love of his life, Dina. They enjoyed many trips together, especially Italy. “Vedi Napoli puoi mouri” was a favorite expression of his. He endured the loss of two daughters and harvested the pain. In more recent years he was surrounded by his loving wife, daughters, family and friends. A Very Special Thank You to the staff at Rochester General Hospital Unit 4500 and SICU and various Veterans Groups. His family will receive friends on SUNDAY 2-6 PM at the funeral home, 1650 Empire Blvd., Webster. On MONDAY, please join the family at 10 AM at Peace of Christ Parish at St. James Church, 130 Brett Road, Irondequoit for his Funeral Mass. Interment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Veterans Outreach Center, Inc., 459 South Avenue, Rochester, New York 14620 in Joe’s memory. PROFETTA FUNERAL CHAPEL