Roland Renato Bianchi

Roland Renato Bianchi
January 29, 2024
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved Roland Renato Bianchi.
Roland was born to Renato Bianchi and Beatrice Campi in San Francisco.
He attended Sherman Elementary School, Marina Jr. High, and Washington High in San Francisco where he was student body president.
He later attended U.C. Berkeley, followed by one year at Bolt Law School. Upon completing his first year of law school, he was drafted into the Korean war.
Following the war, Roland set aside his dreams of finishing law school and followed in his father's footsteps by working at the Bank of America.
He married his first love, Janice Martin, who predeceased him in 1982. Roland and Janice had three sons, Russell, Ross (deceased) and Randall.
Roland remarried his second love, Dr. Judy Rogers. The couple was married for almost 40 happy years.
Roland is survived by his wife, Judy; his sons, Russell and Randall; his brother, Ray (Anne); his granddaughter, Catarina; his cousin, Jean Winter (John Curran).
Roland is also survived by many nieces and nephews, Becky (Colin) Klinesteker, Robbie (Erin) Bianchi, Eddie (Joelle) Bianchi, Julie (Nick) Solwick, Katie (Jeremiah) Zane, Camille Grant, Colin (Shawnda) Burnett, Doug Burnett, Elise (Tyler) Haladyna and Mark Haladyna.
Ro was loving, generous, loyal, compassionate, hardworking, and talented. He was a Renaissance man who enjoyed creating stained glass, sculpture, carpentry, and writing. He was a gifted speaker and a published author of five books about his family heritage and his time at Cal. Ro was a storyteller par excellence and was one of the "newscasters" for the Rotary Club of San Mateo. Roland had a deep love and loyalty for his family and for San Francisco.
As an avid Cal Berkeley graduate and football fan, Ro took pride in never missing a Cal home game, or "Big Game" since 1948 until recent illness prevented him from attending. He missed many family events (weddings, funerals, birthdays) as a result of this passion.
Roland made friends everywhere he went, including the many organizations he participated in and held leadership positions. These organizations include, GWHS Alumni Association, Cal Alumni Association, Phi Kappa Tau, the Peninsula Italian Social Club, Rotary International, and the Serra Club.
Ro had a warm and engaging personality and was loved by all who were fortunate to know him.
The family would like to thank Roland's wonderful doctors, nurses, and other personnel at Kaiser in Redwood City for their compassionate and competent care.
A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Bartholomew Church on Monday, February 12, at 11 a.m., to be followed by a reception in the church hall. Due to Roland's passion for football, a Wake will not be held on Sunday the 11th. Ro would never want anyone to have to choose between an additional service for him or watching/attending the Super Bowl in which the 49ers were contestants. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to University of Cal. Football/band program, Samaritan House of San Mateo or St. Francis Center in Redwood City.