Obituary of John V. Bianchi

Mr. John V. Bianchi, 98, of Amsterdam, New York, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2023, in his home, surrounded by his family as he wished. Born in Amsterdam, New York, on August 7, 1924, to the late Frank and Mary (Cavaliere) Bianchi, he grew up with his brothers, Joseph and Frederick, and his cousin Frederick Cavaliere whom he considered a brother.

A lifelong area resident, and proud Southsider, John attended city schools, including Fifth Ward Elementary School, Theodore Roosevelt Junior High, and graduated from Wilbur H. Lynch High School, Class of 1943. When his country called, John enlisted and served proudly in the United States Navy from 1943 to1946, serving as a Fireman First Class USNR on the U.S.S. General H.W. Butner, AP113, a troop transport ship. He sailed all over the world, collecting many memorable souvenirs that remain in the family. Ten years later, he met the love of his life, Evelyn (Reali) Bianchi and they married September 8, 1957. The union was blessed with two children, Ann F. Bianchi of West Deptford, New Jersey, and John J. Bianchi of Albany, New York. And in classic Bianchi family tradition, he glibly embedded his sarcastic demeanor of which his children sustain through their senior years. John was employed by the General Electric Co. in Schenectady, the Navy Depot in Scotia, and the Army Depot in Rotterdam, and then spent the rest of his career employed with the United States Postal Service, retiring in 1986.

John built a brand-new house for his family, outgrowing a small classic 1950’s post-war Americana starter home. The oven from that house continues to provide excellent roasted potatoes for his family, one of his favorites. John loved his golf, from a very early age caddying for Amsterdam’s golf pros, and even selling used golf balls to help his family make it during the Great Depression, relishing playing the game, and finally enjoying Sunday afternoon golf on TV, right up until his passing. In younger years, he and Evelyn hosted many classic Americana house parties, sharing the hosting rotation among their many friends. He particularly valued the many Bianchi and Cavaliere family reunions held over the years at various locations throughout Upstate New York. Sunday mornings he could be heard humming to the sounds of Frank Sinatra on the radio and Sunday nights enjoying Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, The Wonderful World of Disney, and M*A*S*H with his young family. John loved his sfogliatelle and lobster tail pastries, garden vegetables (particularly from his father-in-law’s garden, Dominic Reali), and his macaroni for Sunday dinners with his brother Joe. John could frequently be found napping after a hearty Italian dinner, otherwise known as “watching the news.” Later in life on Saturday night, you could find him positioned in front of the TV enjoying a generous glass of Jack Daniel’s, on the rocks, with some pretzels and popcorn.

John was extremely proud of his service during WWII. In the 1970s, he reconnected with his old Navy pals and helped establish an annual reunion with the U.S.S. General H.W. Butner shipmates. John and Evelyn attended these reunions for the next 28 years traveling across the United States. He chaired three of these reunions.

John wholeheartedly believed in giving time as a volunteer to organizations and people in need. John loved volunteering during his work years and after retirement. For over 40 years, he volunteered in many capacities for several local organizations. He was a loan representative with MCT Federal Credit Union in Amsterdam; served on the Montgomery County Traffic Safety Board; and, for decades, served in many capacities at St. Mary’s Hospital as one of their most loyal and dedicated volunteers, from being a Patient Advocate to supporting the then Wellness Institute under the direction of Sr. Rita Jean DuBrey. He also served as President of a National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) chapter when they had local chapters. John was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Roman Catholic Church and an honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus Council #209 and the Monsignor William A. Browne Assembly 4^th Degree.

Survivors include his wife of over 65 years, Evelyn Bianchi; two children, Ann F. Bianchi and John J. Bianchi; two grandsons, Adam Malkowicz (New Jersey) and Craig Malkowicz (New Jersey); and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. John was especially fond of his nephews, Frank, (Chick) Bianchi, David Bianchi and Gary Bianchi and cherished the time he had with them.  No surprise, he had a special relationship with his in-laws, the late Dominic and Marina Reali and with his sister/brothers-in-law, Eda DiCaprio, Joseph Reali and John Reali.

He was predeceased by his brothers, Anthony, Joseph, and Frederick Bianchi and Frederick Cavaliere.

The family is eternally grateful for Community Hospice of Saratoga and Home Helpers of Hagaman as they made it possible to fulfill John’s wishes of spending his final time on earth at home with his family.  A special thank you to Home Helpers’ Health Aides Marilee, Kim, Margaret and Lisa who became part of our family in the final weeks.  A special hug to Marilee and Kim as they had been with John and Evelyn since January, giving care above and beyond.  Thank you to Hospice nurses Jenn, Julie and Betsy for their continuous gentle care and patience.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Friday, July 14, 2023 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Roman Catholic Church, 39 St. John Street, Amsterdam, N.Y., 12010 with The Very Reverend O. Robert DeMartinis E.V. as celebrant. A calling hour will precede the Mass beginning at 9 a.m. at the church.

Burial will place at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, and in keeping with John’s spirit of giving, please consider a memorial contribution in his memory to the Foundation of St. Mary’s Healthcare, 427 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, N.Y., 12010; Community Hospice, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, N.Y., 12866; The Montgomery County Office for the Aging, 135 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, N.Y., 12010; or The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, 385 Watervliet Shaker Road, Latham, N.Y., 12110. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home. Please visit the online memorial at www.brbsfuneral.com