

Born January 17, 1936 in Peoria to Fabio and Zaira (Antonini) Bianchi, he married Doris Jane "Dee" Jackson on November 28, 1959 in Pekin. She survives.
Also surviving are two daughters, Rene (Donald) Bly and Teri (Kenny) Cleaver, both of Pekin; two sons, Tony Bianchi and John (Kathy) Bianchi, both of Pekin; fourteen grandchildren, Derek Bly of Chicago, Bianca "Clint" Landry of Oahu, HI, Mariah Bly, Luciana Landry, Alyssa Landry, Ashlie Cleaver, Austin Cleaver, Logan Cleaver, Kyle Bianchi, Kevin Bianchi, Emily Bianchi, Amelia Bianchi, Katie Bianchi and Michael Bianchi, all of Pekin; three great-grandchildren, Mahealani McDonald, Kekona McDonald and Leiana Huff; one brother, Ray Bianchi of Pekin; one sister, Theresa "Tess" (Bill) Isenberg of Pekin and his sister-in-law, Gloria Bianchi of Pekin. He also leaves his God children, Dan Gianessi, Ryan Bianchi, Debbie Dingerson, Tricia Bianchi Thomason and Derek Bly.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Mary Dingerson and one brother, Larry Bianchi.
Babe was a 1955 graduate of Pekin Community High School and served in the United States Army from 1955 to 1957. He received his training in electronics from the DeVry Institute.
He worked for Keystone Steel & Wire Company in Bartonville as a roller/finisher for 41 years, retiring in 1999. He previously worked for Corn Products Corporation for 5 years.
He was a member of Pekin Moose Family Center 916, Lewistown American Legion Bishop Post 1 and Elk’s Lodge 1141 in Daytona Beach, Florida. He was a member of the former Italian American Club in Pekin and George M. Maple Memorial AMVETS Post 235 in Pekin. Babe enjoyed boating and was a member and former commander of the U.S. Power Squadron in Peoria.
Babe was a devoted husband and dedicated his life to his kids and grandkids. He always had a concern for children and actively supported children’s charities and activities. He enjoyed playing golf. Music was a huge part of his life and he enjoyed playing music with his family and friends.
He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin.
His funeral Mass will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, November 26, 2011 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin. Father James Pankiewicz will officiate. Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin, with military rites provided by the United States Army and the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society in care of St. Joseph Church, 303 South 7th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or to the Brad Campbell Memorial Fund, 3302 Sheridan Road, Pekin, IL 61554.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIOCOMPARTA
v.1.18.0