John Charles Bianchi Sr.

Bianchi, John Charles -- Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church on December 15, 2017. Beloved husband of the late Rose Marie Bianchi for 64 years; son of the late August and Frances Bianchi; brother of the late Angelo Bianchi (Marie) Bianchi; father of John Jr., James (Barbara) Bianchi, Robert (Laura) Bianchi and Deborah (Stephen) Hilderbrand; dear grandfather of Angela (Daniel) Kane, Gina Bianchi, Christopher Bianchi, Anthony (Christina) Bianchi, Nicholas (Deanna) Bianchi, Brian (AJ) Hilderbrand, Joseph Hilderbrand, Alyssa Hilderbrand, Michael (Liz) Bianchi, and Rachel Bianchi. Great-grandfather of Emilia and Hope Bianchi. Uncle of Antoinette (Bianchi) Poole, Angelo Bianchi Jr., Michael (Susie) Berra, Michelle (Jim) Bordoni, Marty Berra, Natalie (Berra) Spence, Laurie Berra, Karen (Berra) Ziu, Lydia Berra, Connie (Berra) Hollstein, Tina Berra. He was also a great-uncle, cousin and wonderful friend to many.

Shortly before marrying Rose, John proudly joined the United States Marine Corps and was stationed in Japan during the Korean War. When he returned, they started their family and he began a career at Union Electric (now Ameren).

His most admirable quality was his unwavering support of his wife. While the Sick and Elderly Program of the Hill was Rose’s brainchild, John was the muscle behind the scenes, helping to make her vision reality. Together with their family and countless volunteers, Rose and John worked to provide much needed medical supplies to their elderly neighbors. He did the heavy-lifting, driving all over the neighborhood with his children delivering bed pads, hospital beds, and wheelchairs to seniors and others in need. When he and Rose started the annual Ravioli and Beef Dinner at St. Ambrose Catholic Church to fund their program, John could be found every year doing more heavy-lifting. Once his children and grandchildren were old enough, he would greet everyone and hand out tickets from his infamous fanny-pack. He followed Rose’s lead, and the two were an unstoppable force for good in their community. Over 45 years, they have provided care for over 4000 people, and the Bianchi family plans to continue their legacy.

John retired as soon as he possibly could so he could spend as much time as possible with his wife, children, and grandchildren. John and Rose accomplished so much in their 64 years together, but truly loved the simple things like hosting holidays and family dinners, and having friends over to talk around their kitchen table. He was very close with his 4 children, and spoke with them all nearly every day. They kept close tabs on their grandchildren as well talking to them frequently, attending games, recitals, etc as often as they could. He walked his daughter Debbie and his godchild Karen down the aisle on their wedding days. He loved nothing more than sitting in his recliner, riling up his dog with his two great-granddaughters, Hope and Emilia. He rarely left Rose’s side in her final days, and was eager to be reunited with her in heaven. He was full of faith, love, and joy, and will be greatly missed.

Services for John will be held on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church. Visitation 9:30 am until time of funeral Mass 11:30 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sick and Elderly Program of the Hill at www.sickandelderly.com. Condolences may be offered at www.calcaterrafuneral.com.