NEA/DL Capt. Richard Ballerini

 Correction:  Dick first hired with Northeast Airlines, and retired with Delta Air Lines.

~ IN MEMORY ~

NEA/DL Capt. Richard Ballerini

February 9, 1942 ~ February 10, 2023

 

Notice of passing…..retired Delta Air Lines pilot Captain Richard Ballerini, age 81.  Captain Ballerini joined Delta Air Lines 12-02-1968.  He is survived by his wife Ann, and by his sons and their families.

Obituary information is available online at

https://obituaries.gloucestertimes.com/obituary/richard-ballerini-1087225446    

 

Palm City FL - Richard Ballerini, 81, formerly of Gloucester, passed on February 10, 2023, at Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital in Port St. Lucie, FL, after a brief illness.

Richard, nicknamed "Bal" by many friends and family, was born in Queens, NY. He graduated from Brooklyn Automotive High School. After high school, he worked as a TWA mechanic, where his love for aviation motivated him to enroll in LaGuardia College of Aeronautics. After graduating he began his pilot's career, reaching the rank of Captain at Delta Airlines until he retired his wings. He also worked as a member of the International Operating Engineers Union in New York, for over 30 years and was part of several notable projects, including a 9/11 first responder for structural teardowns.

While working for Delta he met a beautiful flight attendant named Ann, now his surviving wife of 48 years. Richard and Ann's love fittingly led to the birth of their son Jamie Ballerini. Jamie, also a pilot, and his significant other, Jennifer, reside seasonally in Rockport, MA, and Palm City, FL. He is also survived by his son Richard "Richie" Ballerini, who lives in Bethlehem, PA, with his wife Christine and their four children, Lauren, Anthony, Jenna, and Jake. He was predeceased by his daughter, Donna Ballerini. In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by his brother, John Ballerini, nephew, Danny Ballerini and predeceased by his parents, Andy and Lily.

Richard was known for being a true renaissance man with the unique ability to combine blue-collar work ethic with white-collar intelligence. He was one of the original NYC sport fishermen to come to Gloucester and pioneer competitive tuna fishing. His boats, always named Mrs. Robinson, are still recognized as some of the finest to enter the Gloucester harbor. A legacy his son Jamie has maintained. In addition to fishing, he loved building and racing motorcycles, competitive shooting, and spending time with his friends and family. Richard will be deeply missed.

Published on March 3, 2023