Robert Joel Bianchi, 81, died peacefully Tuesday, September 17, 2019. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years Joann, three devoted children Teddy (Paula), Bobby (Lena) and Carla (Tony) Sylvestri and adoring grandchildren who were proud to call him Nonno: Marina, Anthony, Santino, Alexandria, Samson, John, Thomas, Tatyana, Ziggy, Aaliyah and Alyssah. He leaves behind his aunt Alice Del Sarto and his brother Edward Bianchi. He will be dearly missed by his niece, nephews, in-laws, cousins and many close friends.
Born and raised in San Francisco, the son of Carl and Amelia Bianchi, Bob grew up in the Marina District. After serving in the Navy in his early years, Bob worked for the Sunset Scavengers and later for Devincenzi Trucking.
Shortly after moving to San Mateo in 1975, Bob started Bianchi Railroad Company by purchasing the train at Central Park in San Mateo which he operated for 37 years. Bob was an entrepreneur at heart. By retirement, he had multiple train rides, Christmas tree lots, pumpkin patches, and a Lionel train store. He was happy to employ many local friends, family and neighbors in his family business. Most importantly, he brought lots of joy to children who grew up riding Bianchi trains. Bob was an avid train collector as well. He built multiple train layouts almost anywhere his imagination would allow.
In addition, he loved boating and big band music. His love of music inspired him to produce and host musical events featuring his longtime favorite drummer and cherished friend, Louis Bellson. He enjoyed his boat and home at the Delta for years.
Bob was honored to be a Knight of Saint Francis of Assisi watching over the Porziuncola Nuova in North Beach. He traveled to Assisi, Italy with the Knights in 2005. He was a longtime member of the San Mateo Elks Club and he was a devoted usher at St. Matthew Catholic Church for many years.
Bob left a lasting impression with everyone he met. He was truly "one of a kind" with his loud and boisterous personality; however, it was his loving and generous soul that spoke the loudest in the community. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.
Friends and family are invited to the visitation on Monday, September 23rd at 6pm at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 1 Notre Dame Ave., San Mateo with a Vigil Service at 7pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Matthew Catholic Church on Tuesday, September 24th at 10am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Matthew Catholic Church, Mission Hospice or a charity of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Sep. 19 to Sep. 23, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Bianchi

Sponsored by Sneider & Sullivan & O’Connell’s Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

11 Entries

Susan Manzer

October 7, 2019

Joann, my beautiful friend and co-worker from the past. You were on my heart today, I googled your name and discovered Bob's passing. My deepest heart felt condolences goes out to you and your entire family. Reading about Bob, your many years of marriage, and all the grandchildren, you and Bob were truly blessed. All my love.
Susan

September 24, 2019

Our deepest condolences and prayers are with you!

Susan, Kim and Jaxton

Maryann Sfarzo

September 23, 2019

We will always remember your great love of Jazz Music in which we had the privilege of performing at a wonderful event starting Louie Bellson.

September 23, 2019

I welcome this opportunity to share our family's happy memories of Bob and his "All aboard" call for the Central Park train. Our photos of our ten granchildren in those little cars could fill an album. The joy he brought to so many is a noble legacy.

Fabio Giotta

September 21, 2019

I will miss Bob's quick and candid replies; he was quite a lovable character and a great Knight of Saint Francis along with his wife Joann, and, of course you have to love the famous train in San Mateo's Central Park. He won't be forgotten!

CRAIG Hoffman

September 21, 2019

It has been a pleasure to have known Bob. I met him in the park over 25 years ago. The whole family enjoyed riding the train and enjoying a hotdog. I can still hear him call, 'All aboard'. And he carried two personal life mantras, 'I'll do it my way' and 'No regrets', which I will always cherish.

Brian Hytry

September 21, 2019

My deepest sympathy to the Bianchi family. I am sadden to hear the news of Bob's passing. I have fond memories of working with him at the Sickles tree lot. I enjoyed his sense of humor and larger than life personality. God speed my friend!

Daniel Hytry

September 20, 2019

I am sadden and loss for words. My deepest condolences to the entire Bianchi family. I'll forever be indebted for his generosity and gratitude. The memories made on the corner of Sickles and Alemany will forever be with me. Rest easy, Bob.

\Anna Streicher

September 20, 2019

Bob was indeed a very generous and loving person.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Anna and Megan Streicher

Paul Council

September 20, 2019

So sorry to learn of your loss. I knew and worked with Bob for years as Recreation Manager for City of San Mateo. I always enjoyed our visits about the train at Central Park- he clearly loved it. Unfortunately, I will be out of town and unable to attend his memorial. May he rest in peace.

Donna Sylvestri

September 18, 2019

Bob was a big part of a lot of peoples lives, and I know that he will be missed dearly, especially by his family.

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