Diane Ellen Biancalana (nee Cassidy)
Passed away peacefully at home on April 21, 2017. She was 69.
Diane was a native 3rd generation San Franciscan born on May 12, 1947. She was the fourth of seven children and the only daughter of Gloria and Jack Cassidy. She attended catholic schools in San Francisco, Westlake and Burlingame, graduating from Mills High School in Millbrae, CA class of 1965. Being the only girl in the family had some privileges, as Diane was the focus of her family and beloved by her parents and all of her brothers. Diane was a natural beauty but also a self-starter. Shortly after High School, she joined TWA as a flight attendant and remained with TWA until she retired.
She married Alan Biancalana, her husband of 32 years, in 1985. Even though they lived only three houses apart, they did not meet until 1978 and 7 years later they married in in Waimea Bay. Diane and Alan were an active couple, attending art and museum exhibitions, concerts, skiing and traveling extensively until 1996 when she assumed the role of her mother's home care health supervisor and caregiver. With the aid of her husband Alan, she was able to devote herself unwaveringly to her mother Gloria until to the end.
Diane lived a life most people dream of but never have. Flying to Rome, Paris and London for work, enjoying lunch in Central Park or Positano, skiing at Tahoe or marveling at the beauty of Hawaii, Tahiti or Africa, she was a woman who grasped life. Growing up with six brothers, she was strong and knew her mind but could easily charm yours. Her beauty was alluring but her intelligence, fortitude, quick wit, and her ability to laugh out loud were all part of the package.
Preceded in death by her parents and oldest brother Bill, Diane leaves behind her loving husband Alan Biancalana, brothers Dennis, Ross, Jay/Joey, Brian and Sean/Janet; Uncle Bill/Nancy Cassidy, sister in law Karen/Kevin Pitzer, brother in law Rick Biancalana; nieces Maureen and Pam, nephews Tony and Kevin and cousins Terry Cassidy, Leanne Cassidy and Ingrid Gerstmann Broughton and many other cousins and great-nieces, nephews and friends.
You are forever loved, forever missed and forever remembered.
Prayer service Thursday 7:00 pm Crosby and Gray Burlingame. Funeral service Friday 1:00 pm at Our Lady of Angels Burlingame. Burial service following at Holy Cross cemetery.

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Apr. 24 to Apr. 25, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Diane Biancalana

Sponsored by CLOSED-Crosby-N. Gray & Co. Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

15 Entries

Tom Silva

May 9, 2017

Dear Al,

You and your family are in my prayers. Diane was a lovely lady whom will be missed.

Thomas Redding

April 29, 2017

My heart is aching so much for a very special woman and friend,and for Alan.
They came into my life in 1983 and werent married yet. Whenever she and Al came into the restaurant,the whole place just lit up, and they quickly became one of my "favorite" tables to wait on!
I will miss her madly, we would email so many jokes and naughties back and forth for years, and it would be just like she was sitting there, we would both be on the floor with laughter!
Here's to you my dear friend and I know you are cracking them up in the here after!
We were both flight attendants, she stuck it out way way longer than I did!
When I take to the skies I'll always think of you as we soar through the clouds....Much love Tom Redding

April 27, 2017

My deepest sympathy to Diane's family. She was a lovely and happy gal. We had much fun working flights together out of SFO, then seeing each other at SWI luncheons. She will be missed by her many friends.
Jody Wheeler

Aimee Choy

April 27, 2017

Although we've never met, I had the pleasure of arranging your European with your dear brother, Jay, as I heard later you and he had a great time. One thing stands out in my mine was that you had the hotel measure the size of the bathroom, well you are unique, nobody has ever ask that before!!!

Nancy Gomez

April 27, 2017

Diane, we will miss you. I always enjoyed flying with you. I will miss your smile, your kindness, and your friendship. You left us too soon. Our condolences to your family

Lynda Fluitt-Carlin

April 26, 2017

My Dear Darling Diane, my heart is breaking. You were my best and most precious friend for over forty years. We went through so many things together. All of our joys and sorrows. You were always there for me and I hope I was able to give you what you needed during our long friendship. You will be with me forever. I just know that I will be with you again in the future. I'll find a Catholic Church close by and light a candle for you, like we have done in the past for each other.
Thank you Alan for phoning me right away, it meant a lot. I'm sending you and the entire family my prayers and I am holding your hands.
Angels be with my Dear Girl.
Lynda Fluitt- Carlin

Marilynn Ugalde

April 26, 2017

We have lost a beautiful, bright, shining light that was Diane.
She was such a fun person to fly with--always laughing and smiling. My condolences to all her family. She will be missed greatly by her TWA family.
Marilynn Ugalde

Maureen Cannon

April 25, 2017

Diane was always so much fun. We flew New York and when in Manhattan, we flipped a coin as to which one of us ran for the theatre ticket discounted 42nd street and who took the bags. We saw Truman Copote play which won an Emmy. She was so fun and spontaneous and very kind. So sorry for this gigantic loss. She will be my angel. God Bless you

Benita Zimmerman

April 25, 2017

Dear Brian, Jay/ Joey & Family:

My heart goes out to you all on the passing of Diane. She was a beauty inside and out; will miss running into her at Lunardis and chatting.

May all the wonderful memories you have of Diane stay with you in your hearts forever and bring a smile to your face and heart.

love & hugs,

Benita (Zimmerman)

Denise Biancalana Droese

April 25, 2017

I will miss my ' Birthday Buddy'.
My deepest sympathy and love to you , Alan.
Love, your 'favorite' cousin, Denise

April 25, 2017

With deepest sympathy, may the power of prayer ease your sorrow, give you peace and provide much comfort for you during this difficult time. Matthew 21:22

Claudia Marsullo

April 25, 2017

Diane will forever be in all of our hearts. We are all so fortunate to have shared her huge heart, lovely smile, laughter for everyone she met. Alan, I have no words because she was your world and she will forever be with you. Please know that I am with you and everyone in the family, you are all in my thoughts. Oh Diane, we will miss you so much.

April 25, 2017

My deepest sympathy to you all. May you find comfort in the words at Matthew 5:4 in this time of sorrow.

Christine Gigliotti

April 24, 2017

Al, I'm so so sorry to hear about Diane. She was a wonderful person who will be greatly missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Christine Gigliotti

Patricia Briscoe

April 24, 2017

I met Diane at the TWA training facility (Dos Mundos) in Kansas City, MO where we were training to become flight attendants. She was the funniest person I have ever met....always laughing and seeing the bright side of life. She was a complete riot to fly with - totally irreverent!! I only flew with her a few times because I was based in LAX and she was in SFO, but when I ended up on a flight with her, I knew we would have a blast. Flying back then was really fun - passengers were respectful and appreciated the flight crew. Over the years we lost touch, but Marietta gathered us together in the summer for long lunches at Ming's in Palo Alto.
Diane was a lovely, happy person. I will pray for her loving soul.
Hugs Diane,
xoxo
Patty Cairns Briscoe

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