Frank Gerard Balesteri, died Saturday November 3rd in Jersey City, NJ at age 41 of cardiac arrythmia. Balesteri had an extensive career in radio primarily at WFMU in East Orange, NJ 91.1 FM beginning in 1981. His irreverant and spontaneous style thrived at the free-form station and was well known for the different personas he assumed. One, in particular, stuck as a nickname, the Vanilla Bean. Balesteri's comprehensive musical knowledge and edgy call-in segments became legendary in the New York City Tri-state area in the mid-80's through the mid-90's.

Balesteri also worked in various capacities within the music industry. The artists with whom he worked include: Adrian Sherwood, Tackhead, the Beatnigs, the Orfinz, Richard Julian, R. Stevie Moore and Don Was. He was involved with Brooklyn Music, Blackbird Records and Love & Hemp Records.

He is survived by his daughter, Zoe, parents, Frank and Margaret and brothers, Chris and Scott.