Spring, MA
Sgt. Balestri served with the 772nd Bomber Squadron, 463rd Bomber Group, Heavy. He is buried at Sicily-Rome American Cemetery, Nettuno, Italy, Plot B Row 10 Grave 28. He earned the Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters.
-submitted by James Opolony
Become a Life Member of the University of Illinois Alumni Association and kick off the year with the ultimate wellness bundle: our exclusive 36 oz Illinois Alumni Owala water bottle and a lifetime of premium benefits—including year-round access to Active&Fit Now, alumni perks, and lifelong Illini pride.*
* Shipping to Domestic U.S. Addresses Only. No PO Boxes.
Start someone’s year strong by gifting a University of Illinois Alumni Association membership—a meaningful way to support their wellness goals and celebrate their Illini connection.
Whether you choose an annual or life membership, your gift includes an exclusive 36 oz Illinois Alumni-branded Owala water bottle and access to standout benefits like Active&Fit Now—offering top gym discounts, on-demand workouts, and 1‑on‑1 virtual wellness coaching.*
It’s the perfect surprise for any Illini who’s ready to feel good, stay connected, and power into 2026 with orange and blue energy.
* Shipping to Domestic U.S. Addresses Only. No PO Boxes.
The Illini are heading to the Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl—and there’s no better way to celebrate than by gifting a University of Illinois Alumni Association membership to your favorite Illini.
Commemorate this incredible bowl-bound season with the ultimate fan bundle: our premium Life Membership Blanket and the exclusive Bowl Game Pack—featuring a clear stadium backpack, Alumni beanie, koozie, luggage tag, and a Commemorative Liberty Mutual Vinyl Music City Bowl ticket.
* Packages will not arrive before the bowl game and are intended as commemorative keepsakes. Vinyl ticket is for memorabilia purposes only and is not valid for game entry.
** Annual membership is $150.
*** Shipping to Domestic U.S. Addresses Only. No PO Boxes.
Become a Life Member of the University of Illinois Alumni Association and commemorate this incredible bowl-bound season with the ultimate fan bundle: our premium Life Membership Blanket and the exclusive Bowl Game Pack—featuring a clear stadium backpack, Alumni beanie, koozie, luggage tag, and a Commemorative Liberty Mutual Vinyl Music City Bowl ticket.
* Packages will not arrive before the bowl game and are intended as commemorative keepsakes. Vinyl ticket is for memorabilia purposes only and is not valid for game entry.
** Annual membership is $150.
*** Shipping to Domestic U.S. Addresses Only. No PO Boxes. Become a Life Member of the University of Illinois Alumni Association and commemorate this incredible bowl-bound season with the ultimate fan bundle: our premium Life Membership Blanket and the exclusive Bowl Game Pack—featuring a clear stadium backpack, Alumni beanie, koozie, luggage tag, and a Commemorative Liberty Mutual Vinyl Music City Bowl ticket.
* Packages will not arrive before the bowl game and are intended as commemorative keepsakes. Vinyl ticket is for memorabilia purposes only and is not valid for game entry.
** Annual membership is $150.
*** Shipping to Domestic U.S. Addresses Only. No PO Boxes.
Join the University of Illinois Alumni Association and pre-order your limited-edition Altgeld Hall Snow Globe, complete with the beloved “Hail to the Orange” chimes and a timeless design that captures the spirit of the Quad in winter.
This is more than a collectible—it’s a connection. To your past. To your pride. To your place in the Illini family.
Shipping to Domestic US Addresses ONLY. No PO Boxes.