Obituary for Patricia Balsamini
Patricia “Tricia” Anne Balsamini, 54, a beloved wife, mother, daughter, and aunt passed away Saturday evening, July 13, 2019, surrounded by family at Saint Barnabas Medical Center. A resident of Montclair, N.J. for over 16 years, Tricia was born in Philadelphia, PA and graduated from Swarthmore College. Always intellectually curious, Tricia studied Political Science and Economics as an undergraduate. She also spent many adventurous and energetic years living across Manhattan and Staten Island, from Ludlow Street to Kingsley Avenue. Tricia earned a masters in Nonprofit Management from The New School and pursued a vibrant and impactful career in fundraising and development for the healthcare sector. She oversaw all fundraising activities for Continuum Health Partners for over eight years before serving as Vice President for Development at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, N.J. Tricia expertly spearheaded fundraising for Saint Barnabas’ historic, campus-wide expansion. She collaborated with hospital trustees to transform philanthropic giving, and was admired and respected by the entire Saint Barnabas family. Physicians, trustees, and staff alike sought and benefited from Tricia’s wisdom. Indeed, Tricia’s creativity and compassion indelibly impacted the community.
Known for her quick wit, attention to detail, and commitment to those she loved, Tricia had a zest for life that resonated with everyone she met. She was a voracious reader who loved everything from David Foster Wallace to Mary Oliver, and a patron of the arts who enjoyed theater, trips to the movies, and visits to the MoMA and Whitney museums. Dedicated to health and wellness, Tricia was an avid runner, kickboxer, and spinner with d.FIT Studio and Fleet Feet in Montclair. Her relentless passion, for fitness and in life, was conveyed by Tricia’s longtime boxing coach who marveled: “I know a lot of martial artists, some of whom are literal world-class competitors, so I don’t say this lightly - she’s a true fighter.”
Tricia is survived by her husband of nearly 23 years, Dean, her children Stella and Derek, her mother Elke, brothers William and Michael, sisters Karen and Beth, and loving extended family and friends. Tricia’s father, William “Bill” McGinley, died in 2007.
A visitation and celebration of her life will be held Wednesday evening, July 17th from 5-9pm at Caggiano Memorial, 62 Grove Street, Montclair, N.J. A funeral mass will take place Thursday, July 18th at 10am in Saint Cassian Roman Catholic Church, 187 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair. Interment at Mount Hebron Cemetery, Montclair. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Tricia's memory with a designation to Oncology Patient Assistance at Saint Barnabas Medical Center. Gifts can be made online at sbmcgiving.org or via phone at 973-322-4330. Checks can also be mailed to: Saint Barnabas Medical Center Development Department, 95 Old Short Hills Road, West Orange, N.J. 07052.
Known for her quick wit, attention to detail, and commitment to those she loved, Tricia had a zest for life that resonated with everyone she met. She was a voracious reader who loved everything from David Foster Wallace to Mary Oliver, and a patron of the arts who enjoyed theater, trips to the movies, and visits to the MoMA and Whitney museums. Dedicated to health and wellness, Tricia was an avid runner, kickboxer, and spinner with d.FIT Studio and Fleet Feet in Montclair. Her relentless passion, for fitness and in life, was conveyed by Tricia’s longtime boxing coach who marveled: “I know a lot of martial artists, some of whom are literal world-class competitors, so I don’t say this lightly - she’s a true fighter.”
Tricia is survived by her husband of nearly 23 years, Dean, her children Stella and Derek, her mother Elke, brothers William and Michael, sisters Karen and Beth, and loving extended family and friends. Tricia’s father, William “Bill” McGinley, died in 2007.
A visitation and celebration of her life will be held Wednesday evening, July 17th from 5-9pm at Caggiano Memorial, 62 Grove Street, Montclair, N.J. A funeral mass will take place Thursday, July 18th at 10am in Saint Cassian Roman Catholic Church, 187 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair. Interment at Mount Hebron Cemetery, Montclair. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Tricia's memory with a designation to Oncology Patient Assistance at Saint Barnabas Medical Center. Gifts can be made online at sbmcgiving.org or via phone at 973-322-4330. Checks can also be mailed to: Saint Barnabas Medical Center Development Department, 95 Old Short Hills Road, West Orange, N.J. 07052.