Milio Anthony Balossi, age 85, of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2025, following a sudden onset of double pneumonia.
Born January 9, 1940, in St. Louis to Faustina and Louis Balossi, he was their second child and eldest son. He grew up on The Hill and attended St. Ambrose School and the old O’Fallon Tech High School. Milio was a longstanding member of The Hill 2000.
Known affectionately as “Mil” to close friends, he spent much of his life working as a tool and die machinist, foreman, and plant manager. He was renowned for his ability to build or fix anything, and for his unwavering devotion to his dogs — including a remarkable pup named Bruno, who won numerous competitions, and his last beloved companion, Izzy. Above all else, Milio was a deeply devoted and caring husband, and a proud father, Papa, uncle, brother, and friend to many.
He married Leslie Ann (née Carter) on March 9, and together they built a life full of love, laughter, and rich memories. He especially cherished time with family at their lake house and watching his grandkids in sports and school activities. He loved a well-cooked Italian dinner, casting a fishing line, laughing with friends, putzing around with home projects, and telling endless stories about growing up on The Hill.
A former athlete and lifelong storyteller, Milio was also a member of “The Club” — a close-knit group of sandlot friends who remained together for over 80 years, through marriages, children, and all of life’s twists and turns. A highlight was their group trip to Italy, where Milio joyfully reconnected with long-lost relatives.
He is survived by his older sister, Carol Betz; sister-in-law Pauline Balossi (Caputa); his beloved wife of nearly fifty years, Leslie; and his five children: Maryjo (Dave Smith), Margo Kaibel, Michael, Maggie (John Doyle), and Matt (Barbara Balossi); 19 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; 13 nieces and nephews. He was also a cherished brother-in-law to Kathie and Jim Carter, Dan Carter, and Patti and Jim Gera.
A devout Catholic, Milio shared his faith through Christ Renews His Parish (CHRP) retreats and by faithfully attending an annual silent retreat at the White House for 35 years. (Although he could never go a full day without talking to Leslie — he always called her at least once!) Patti, Jim, and Dan lovingly called him “The Pope.”
He was preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law, Rita and Lester Carter; his little brother, Gene; brother-in-law and close friend Bill Betz; daughter-in-law Kanako Balossi; and beloved nephew Josh Carter.
SERVICES: A brief visitation at 9:00am and Funeral Mass at 10:00am will be held at St. Ambrose Catholic Church on The Hill on Saturday, September 13. The family welcomes all who knew him to attend and share in remembering his life.
And if you’re unable to attend, the family invites you to honor Milio in your own way — perhaps by enjoying a hot salami sandwich from Gioia’s at Berra Park or a meatball sandwich from Adriana’s, saying a few choice words at the Cardinals when they lose, or stringing a line with your child, niece, nephew, grandchild, or close buddy. He’ll be smiling down at you when you do.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in his honor.
He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.