Mr. John Anthony Bianco

UTICA/WESTMORELAND – Mr. John Anthony Bianco, age 88, passed away on Monday, April 15, 2024, with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on July 25, 1935, John was the son of the late Felix “Phil” and Jeanette (Dardano) Bianco. He was a graduate of St. Francis de Sales High School/Class of 1952. He attended college before being drafted into the U.S. Army, from which he was honorably discharged in 1959. On October 27, 1962, he wed the former Fanny “Faye” Salvo. From that union came the blessing of their two daughters. John and Faye shared nearly 43 years together prior to her passing on May 30, 2005. John found employment with the John Hancock Life Insurance Company. He loved being able to travel around New York State selling insurance. Once all his deals were made, it was time for him to enjoy his true passion: fly fishing. He especially enjoyed his time spent on the Ausable River, Lake Placid, and the West Canada Creek. John’s passion for fly fishing was unparalleled. He will be remembered and admired for many things including, but not limited to, having a fly fishing shop that he operated out of the family home on Nichols St., his expertly hand tied flies, his unmatched guide service, private lessons, and even instructing classes at MVCC, D&D Sports, Twin Ponds, Gander Mountain, and several other local facilities. Teaching came naturally to him, as he had much patience, and an appreciation for nature and the sport, which he enjoyed imparting to others. John was welcoming to all. He was a genuinely caring and patient man. His smile was unforgettable. He valued his family, friendships, and traditions above all else. Not one to remain idle, he kept busy in his spare time, from knife sharpening to preparing homemade Italian sausage, and making delicious Baccala salad on Christmas Eve, just to name a few things. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, the United Commercial Travelers, and a founding member of the local chapter of Trout Unlimited. In 2002, he was inducted into the NYS Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame. John was a parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. John was blessed to find love a second time and united in marriage with the former Robin (Davis) Peck in 2010. Robin was such a good student at fly fishing, John just had to ask her to lunch, and their relationship blossomed from there! John is survived by his wife, Robin; daughters and son-in-law, Renee Bianco, and Judi and Paul Smith; his step-children, Candy Kluth, Dawn and Arthur “Buddy” Richardson, James Peck and fiancée Kelly Karst, and Cody and Jennifer Peck; his step-grandchildren, Katie, Clara, Emma; Lily; Hayleigh, Cody, Jr., Alexis, Cameron, and Braden; and seven step-great-grandsons. His loss is also felt by his brother and sister-in-law, Eugene “Gene” and Paula Bianco; a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; a heartfelt mention of Dougie and Danny Owen, whom he looked upon as his grandsons; his sister-in-law, Cheryl Salvo (the late Paul Rosario Salvo); countless treasured friends, especially Tony Rabasca, Joe Pepperine, and Adirondack Jack Leach; and his faithful canines Red and Blondie. He was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, Anthony “Bucky” and Jolene Bianco; in-laws, Daniel, Sr. and Lamya Salvo, Rosario, Jr. and Yvonne Salvo, Anthony “Tony” and Mary Salvo, Josephine and Benedetto “Benny” Carcone, Katherine “Kaye” and Anthony Cannistra, Margaret “Bunny” and Victor Nole, Marie and Alfred “Al” Giglio, and John Salvo; mother-in-law, Dorothy Paddock; and Robin’s son, Edward James Peck, Jr. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Bob LaRock and Dale Hays who assisted in caring for John. A special thank you as well to the staff at Rome Health Hospital for their exceptional care of John throughout the years. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend John’s Memorial Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Monday, April 29, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, 648 Jay St. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of Mass.

Mr. John Anthony Bianco

July 25, 1935 - April 15, 2024