Nello F. Bianchi

Nello F. Bianchi, 83, of Put-in-Bay, OH died Monday, April 30, 2007, at St. Francis Healthcare Center, Green Springs, OH after an extended illness. He was born on May 30, 1923, in Genoa, Italy, the son of the late Adam and Josephine (Poggiali) Bianchi. He lived in the Republic of San Marino until he moved to Kelleys Island at age 5 and began working to help support his family when he was 16. He later earned his High School diploma and was a graduate of Kelleys Island High School. He also attended the Devry Institute in Columbus, Ohio where he completed his certification in electronics repair. Mr. Bianchi was a veteran of the United States Army, having served during World War II in the 38th Armored Infantry Batallion, 7th Armored Division as a Rifleman where he was awarded a marksmanship badge as a Sharpshooter, Rifle M1. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge in the Ardennes where his feet were frozen (and in spite of the doctors wishes, would not allow them to be amputated.) He worked as a deckhand for Neuman Boat Line, Kelleys Island, and later as a deckhand and Captain for Miller Boat Line, Put-in-Bay. He then became Postmaster at Put-in-Bay in 1966, retiring in the 1980’s after 25 years. He served over 20 years on the Put-in-Bay Fire Department, served 7 terms on the Put-in-Bay Board of Education, and 3 terms as a Put-in-Bay Township Trustee. He was instrumental in building a Township Hall and Garage, building a new Fire Station and Senior Center, creating a Port Authority and securing funding to build and maintain the island airports. He was a member of Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church, Put-in-Bay, where he served on the parish council, and was also a member of the Put-in-Bay American Legion Post 542. Survivors include his beloved wife of 57 years, Justine Heineman Bianchi, whom he married on September 20, 1949 at Mother of Sorrows Church; his children, Michael Bianchi, Put-in-Bay, Diane E. Bianchi, Put-in-Bay, Charmaine Bianchi Smith, Sandusky, Brenda (John) Ferrell, Oregon, OH, David W. (Deborah) Bianchi, Put-in-Bay, and Barbara (Dennis) Kai, California; Grandchildren, Adam C. Ferrell, Amanda L. Ferrell, Stephanie N. Bianchi, Adam J. Bianchi, Stephen P. Kai, and Shannon B. Kai; sister, Dena Gennari, Sandusky; brother, Dominic Bianchi, Kelleys Island, and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, Adam Bianchi in 1969 and Josephine Poggiali Bianchi in 1996, and his infant granddaughter Laura Kai in 1995. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. Thursday at the Neidecker, LeVeck & Crosser Funeral Home, 1124 Fulton Street, Port Clinton. Additional visitation will be held from 10:30-11:30 A.M. Friday, at Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church, Put-in-Bay, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 Noon with the Rev. Jeff Nordhaus and Rev. Nicholas Cunningham officiating. Interment will follow in Mapleleaf Cemetery, Put-In-Bay. Memorial contributions may be made to Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Funeral Home: Neidecker-LeVeck & Crosser Funeral Home - Port Clinton Chapel 1124 Fulton Street Port Clinton, OH