Bianco Joseph Charles Bulanti

1923 - 2017

Bianco Joseph Charles Bulanti

Mar 19, 1923 - Sep 3, 2017

Charlie, as he was known by almost everyone, died peacefully on September 3, 2017 at the age of 94. He was born in Talamona, Italy to Joseph and Atene Bulanti. In 1928 he came to the United States through Ellis Island. His family settled in Salinas, California, where he graduated from Salinas High School as a standout basketball player and stellar member of the school band. In 1941, when war broke out, Charlie enlisted and proudly served in the Pacific Theater with the Coast Guard. After the war he moved to San Francisco where he went to work at Graybar Electric Company. There he met Frances Eterovich; he was smitten. They were married February 1, 1948. She was the love of his life for almost 70 years, holding his hand as he passed. In 1951 Fran and Charlie moved to the peninsula where they raised their 3 children, Lori, Gary and Michael. They were residents of Redwood City, Woodside and have lived the last 20 years in San Carlos.
In the early 1960's Charlie started the B.J. Bulanti Company, "Everything for Your Home," a furniture store in San Carlos that he built into a thriving business over 15 years. After selling the furniture company, Charlie embarked on a real estate career while in his mid-50's, approaching it with his characteristic and ageless verve. He was a successful realtor for over 30 years and served as president of his local board. To be sure, there are countless agents with Charlie Bulanti stories.
Besides his family and friends, Charlie had many loves. Among them: travel, golf, trout fishing, and especially music. He played from his teens until well into his 90's. He was superlative as a clarinetist and saxophonist. He entertained everyone with his beautiful music. Ask any musician who ever worked with him- the man could play. Charlie was an avid and accomplished trout fisherman who always knew where they were hiding. His sons and their friends, as well as his brothers Greg and Bill, have vivid memories of fishing trips and of being taught by the master. Golf was a delight for Charlie because he played with people he truly loved and he played for fun. He traveled the world with Fran and loved every minute of it. They had a rich social life and maintained their friendships with so many fine people over all the years (you all know who you are).
Charlie was always involved in his community. He served as a member of the San Mateo County Grand Jury, played with the choir at St. Pius Church and was a member of many clubs including the Sons of Italy in Redwood City and the Italian American Social Club in Menlo Park.
Charlie was a self made man whose world consisted of the love he gave and the love he got from virtually all he came to know. He was intelligent, caring, and an outrageously funny man. He would brighten any room with warmth and laughter. A positive man of great energy and joy for life, with a palpable air of mischief about him, he made an indelible impression on all who knew him. Charlie was, in the words of the great Nat King Cole, "Unforgettable." We will love him and we will miss him, forever.
Charlie is survived by his wife Frances, his daughter Lori Lovelace (Phil, his children and grandson); sons Gary Bulanti (Diana) and Michael Bulanti; his grandchildren: Maria Helms (Eric Van Roten); Tareh Bulanti, Eric Helms, Elizabeth Bulanti, Michael Bulanti, and Gary Bulanti, as well as great-grandchildren: Lilliana Bulanti, Bianco Bulanti, Jesson Ringheimer, and Audrey Van Roten. His brothers, Bill Bulanti (Debbie) and Greg Bulanti (Dee) and sisters-in-law: Winnie Biocini and Danica Eterovich and his beloved nieces and nephews here and in Italy and in addition many very, very special friends also survive him. He loved you all, deeply and unconditionally.
A memorial mass and Celebration of Life will be held 11 am Thursday, September 21, at St. Pius Church, 1100 Woodside Road in Redwood City, with a reception to follow.
Donations to your favorite charity in Charlie's memory are suggested in lieu of flowers.