Frank Anthony "Dee" Balestreri Sr., a lifelong San Franciscan and respected figure in California's commercial fishing and seafood industry, passed away on April 24, 2026, at the age of 88.

Born on September 7, 1937, to Joseph B. Balestreri and Laura T. Balestreri, Dee was raised in San Francisco and educated at Francisco Middle School and Galileo High School. He came of age during a time when the city's working waterfront shaped livelihoods, reputations, and lifelong relationships.

Dee spent the greater part of his working life on the San Francisco waterfront at the foot of Hyde Street, where he was a partner with his father and others in Harbor Fisheries and M. Alioto Seafoods. He also owned a drag boat, which brought in a wide variety of local seafood, including rock cod, ling cod, and sole. Through these partnerships and operations, Dee played an active role in the buying and distribution of seafood and built long‑standing relationships with fishermen and ports throughout California.

His work regularly took him up and down the coast. He purchased Dungeness crab in Crescent City, Bodega Bay, and San Francisco; bought salmon in Bodega Bay; handled herring in San Francisco; sourced squid in Half Moon Bay; and bought swordfish in Morro Bay and San Pedro. Known for his generosity, Dee made it a tradition that every Thanksgiving he passed out a turkey and a bottle of whiskey to each fisherman, a gesture that reflected his gratitude and deep respect for the people who worked the boats.

In retirement, Dee focused on what mattered most—spending time with family and friends and passing on cherished traditions and recipes, including the family recipe for crab cioppino. He continued to enjoy the outdoors through camping and fishing and took up golf. Though he never hit the ball far, it was always right down the fairway.

After the passing of his wife, Sheryl, Dee found companionship and joy in travel. He shared many memorable trips with Doris Zieman and also traveled with his cousins, Anthony and Sue Crivello, taking cruises to Mexico and making trips to Europe.

Dee was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sheryl Anne Balestreri, and by his parents, Joseph B. Balestreri and Laura T. Balestreri.

Dee is survived by his children: Doris Hank (Jeff), Joseph Balestreri (Nancy), and Frank Balestreri (Joanna). He is also survived by seven grandchildren, seven great‑grandchildren, with two more great‑grandchildren expected soon, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held in his honor on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 11:30 am at the Italian Athletic Club 1630 Stockton Street, San Francisco, CA 94133. All are welcome.

Frank Anthony "Dee" Balestreri Sr. will be remembered as a devoted husband and father, a generous and hardworking partner, and a San Franciscan whose life was deeply connected to the waterfront, the California coast, and the people and traditions he proudly carried forward.