Our loving husband, daddy, nonno, brother and uncle, Julius Ballardini entered into eternal life on May 12, 2023 at 87 years old. A native Nevadan, he was born on November 20, 1935 to Antonio and Juliette Ballardini at Washoe General Hospital. He attended Huffaker Primary School, Billinghurst Middle School, and Reno High School. On April 8, 1961, Julius married his life-long partner of fifty-six years, Joanne Ballardini; growing up together in the Reno ranching community, they were destined to dance the waltz through life’s many joys and hardships. In this journey, God gifted them three lovely daughters, Julianne, Antoinette, and Nicole that set the foundation for their legacy.
Growing up on the family cattle ranch, Julius’ love of ranching was life-long. From an early age, Julius and his sister, Angela Ballardini-Persigehl had chores haying, irrigating, picking potatoes, and pulling weeds. Sadly, his father died when he was 16 years old leaving Julius to drop out of high school and work fulltime on the ranch. His mother later married Caesar Gaspari, which blessed Julius with an extended family of ranchers and allowed Julius to venture away from the ranch. Julius served as a member of the Nevada Air National Guard from 1955 to 1963. During this time, Julius was introduced to woodworking by his lifetime friend, Norman Dianda, while working for George Sargent. During these years, Julius and Joanne began their longtime partnership. In 1962, driven for success, they built the booming business of Capital Sanitation in Carson City. Later joining their parent company, Disposal Services, owned by his father-in-law, Ben Caramella, and brothers-in-law, Jack and Sam Caramella which formed the Ballardini-Caramella partnership. After more than four decades of prosperity with heavy hearts, they decided to move on to other endeavors. Always an entrepreneur, Julius continued to be an iconic and well-respected businessman in Carson City and Reno. He took immense pride in property development and focused on this in his years after the sanitation business.
So many things made his life full. On any given day, Julius could be found at his shop wrenching away and enjoying all his equipment. He had a passion for buying and collecting CAT and Peterbilt equipment and almost every Snap-On tool ever made. In his younger years, Julius earned his pilot’s license and liked to fly his Cessna airplane. He also loved his 56’ Chevy but sold it to buy a bigger car for his growing family. His hobbies involved hunting, shooting, and many adventures with his cronies. He treasured going to daily lunch and weekend breakfast with his right-hand man in the sanitation business and old-time friend, Bill Fields, and grandson, Gabe. He had his standing appointment at Starbucks to get his daily dose of caffeine, current events, and chitchat.
Julius’ yard was his sanctuary. He was often found sitting on the deck admiring the breathtaking view and surrounding wildlife. Another delight near and dear to his heart was philanthropy, giving to Eagle Valley Children’s Home, 4H, Boys and Girls Club, Nevada Military Alliance, UNR endowment, and many other local charities.
Julius was preceded in death by his parents, Antonio and Juliette, and his wife, Joanne. He is survived by his daughters, Julianne, Antoinette, and Nicole Ballardini; sister, Angela Persigehl; grandchildren, Ciara (Brent) Hanson, Antone, Cort, and Racquele LeBard, Gabriel (Ciarra) Brown, Savina (Josh) Leggett, and Luca Ballardini; great-grandchildren, Jules, Fawkes, Gianna, Hazel, and little Julius.
His family would like to thank the home health caregivers who provided companionship to Julius in his final years. More recently, many thanks to Jacque, Olga, and Roberto, your love, kindness, and care are truly appreciated. Julius was in very loving hands.
Visitation will be held with a recitation of the holy rosary at 5:30 pm on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at Walton’s Chapel, 875 W. 2nd Street, Reno. A funeral mass will be at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Reno, Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 2 pm. There will be a reception immediately following at Ballardini Cafeteria at Bishop Manogue Catholic High School. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows.