Ballston Lake, NY- Manuel Ballestero, 101, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at home. Born on November 20, 1924 in Waterbury, CT, he was the son of the late Antonio and Francisca (Prada) Ballestero and grew up in Saratoga Springs, NY- living near the entrance of the Race Track.

Manny proudly served our country in the United States Army for many years and fought bravely in World War II. He attained the rank of Private First Class for the Company 1, 15th Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, traveling to Rome, Southern France, Central Europe and the Rhineland; achieving the National Defense Medal, Sharpshooter Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star with (2) Oak Leaf Clusters, (2) Conspicuous Service Stars, European, African, Middle Eastern Campaign Medal as well as a World War II Medal.

Returning home, Manny worked “odd jobs” until he founded the first of several construction companies with some of his brothers- eventually becoming M&J Construction Company. His main trade was in masonry and concrete work. He always enjoyed mason work with natural stone and doing projects around the office and home; actively working up until the age of 100.

An avid fisherman and poker player, Manny was part of a weekly poker group since the 1970s that he attended up until last month. He was a Past Grand Knight, Past District Deputy and an Honorary Life member of Saratoga Council 246 Knights of Columbus, having joined in 1956. Further, he was a Past Faithful Navigator of the Saratoga K of C Assembly 745 Fourth Degree.

Manny also specialized in doing raffles and raising money for The K of C. He was a member of the Elk’s Club and he was also an active parishioner at Our Lady of Grace Church – dating back to when it was on Edward Street in Ballston Lake. 

Manny is survived by his sons Jeffrey and Manuel (Lisa); grandchildren, Manny Jr., and Amanda; several nieces and nephews, and many friends. Along with his parents, Manny is predeceased by his wife of 69 years Julia; and his four brothers: Paul, Antonio (Tony), Ygnacio (Inky) and James (Jimmy).

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Manny’s honor to Our Lady of Grace Roman Catholic Church, 73 Midline Rd, Ballston Lake, NY 12019.

Family and friends may call Thursday, July 9, 2026 from 3-7pm at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Members of the Knights of Columbus will meet at 4pm Thursday at the funeral home for their vigil wake service

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am on Friday, July 10, 2026 at Our Lady of Grace Roman Catholic Church, 73 Midline Rd., Ballston Lake, NY. Burial will follow in St. Peter’s Cemetery, Saratoga Springs.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com