Matthew Ballister
August 3, 1911 - May 7, 2008
Tribute
On the passing of Matthew J. Ballister, at age 96...
'Few have had a fuller life, and his influence on all who encountered him was remarkable. When I reflect on [him], I think of BIG. He was a big guy, with a big voice, big ambition, big emotions and a big style of life. Nothing was timid; nothing was held back, and every action seemed to be driven by a passion for life and everything that it can bring.' - cousin Gregory
Matthew Joseph Ballister was born Aug 3, 1911 in Newark, NJ to Bartolo Ballestreri and Maria Abbate, who had immigrated to America from Palermo, Italy . He was the first of five children.
As a young boy, Matthew (also known as Marty) sold newspapers on the street to help support his family, clearly demonstrating what was to be a life-long aptitude for entrepreneurship. He went on to sell fresh produce with horse and buggy, and would parlay this into his opening of Marty's Market, which was to become a downtown Newark icon. Eventually, his operations included several of the first modern day supermarkets in the area.
Matthew married Julia Fusco on January 28, 1934. They had eight children - Barry, Joseph, Mary Ann, Matthew Jr., Judith, Carmine, Robert and Margaret (Pegi). The family resided for many years in Maplewood, NJ.
In his early years, Matthew was an avid sports enthusiast. His favorite pastimes were bowling and shooting pool, at which anyone who challenged him could attest, he was quite good. In every area of his life, Matthew's personality was characterized by his driving ambition, determination to always look ahead and his unwillingness to be defeated.
Even after 50 years in the produce business, the idea of 'retirement' seemed a remote concept to Matthew. So, he opened his first ice cream store.
After wife Julia passed away, Matthew married Ingeborg Haus and, in 1982, they relocated to West Palm Beach, FL where they owned and operated two seaside motels. At the age of 86, Matthew finally retired, spending his last 10 years as an active member of the Bethel Assemblies of God Pentecostal Church, where he served as a Board Member. He enjoyed nurturing and caring for his garden, playing cards, and sharing time with others.
Matthew passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 7, 2008, with his loving wife Ingeborg by his side.
In addition to Ingeborg and his eight children, Matthew is survived by his brother Charles, 28 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren.
To all who knew and loved him, Matthew was a man who was truly larger than life.
Memorial information:
The family will be receiving guests from 12:00 - 2:00 PM on May 27, 2008 at Memory Gardens Funeral Home, 3041 Kirk Road , Lake Worth , FL. Funeral services will immediately follow.
