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Antonio Biama Obituary
Antonio Ricardo Biama was born Oct. 12, 1923 to the proud parents of Charles and Mary Biama in Spring Valley, IL. At the age of 10 they moved to California.
In 1941 he graduated from Vallejo High School and attended St. Mary's College where he played football on a full ride scholarship.
In December, 1941 the War was declared and Dick was sent to Normandy Beach as well as the Battle of the Bulge. After serving his time he was discharged in 1946.
During the summertime he played softball for Mare Island Shop and the Vallejo City League and not to mention he played hardball with the Vallejo Builders.
He then attended Vallejo Junior College and was an All Conference quarterback in football. The team ranked 3rd in the nation and he also made all conference as a 3rd baseman in baseball.
At the age of 26 he met the love of his life Mary Jane Whalen. They continued to date as he attended Fresno State where he was named all CCAA State Football Team as a running back and All Conference Player in baseball and as a catcher.
He came back to Vallejo in 1950 to start his coaching and teaching career, taking over coaching duties in football and baseball at Vallejo Junior High School. He and Julian Miguel were responsible for planting the original football field at Vallejo Junior High School.
In that same year Dick and Mary Jane were married. They were blessed with 5 children, Rich, Chuck, Steve, Dave and Gayle. In 1956 he transferred over to Vallejo High School where he became Asst. Football Coach as well as Head Baseball Coach.
In his first year Hogan High School was established, Dick became the Head Football and Baseball Coach where he achieved 2 NBL Championships in Football. In 1964 he moved to Vallejo Junior College to become the Head Football Coach.
When Solano College moved to Fairfield in 1971 he worked as the Head Football Coach along with becoming Athletic Director and Chairman of the Physical Education Department.
In 1981 Dick retired, in 1986 he came out of retirement to help out the coaching staff at Armijo High School as an offensive coordinator. In 1996 Dick was inducted into the Solano College Hall of Fame, Vallejo High School Hall of Fame in 2005 and the Hogan High School Hall of Fame in 2006. He was a life member of B.P.O.E. #559 of Vallejo and a member of Sigma Alpha Elipson.
He was preceded in death by his son Chuck Biama.
Survivors include his wife Mary Jane Biama; sons Rich, Steve and Dave, daughter, Gayle; five grandchildren, Anthony, Bryan, Brittany, Christina and Michael; Aunt, Margaret Boggio from IL; cousins, Richard and Frank Mattioda, Jolene Kulpa, Charlene Loeback, Bill Mason and Marguerita Oberto, all of IL; cousins, Rick Maleski, Leah Eaton, Debbie and Tim Bellettini, Gail Perkins, Eilene Smith and Leo Bellettini, all of CA.
Funeral services will be held, 12 noon, Wednesday at the Vallejo Elks Lodge. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent to the Athletic Department of Vallejo Middle School, Vallejo High School, Hogan High School, Solano College or the charity of the donor's choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of Twin Chapels Mortuary, Vallejo. (707) 552-6696.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Antonio Biama
Gregory/Coppy Bardakos
August 12, 2007
Hello Mrs. Biama, Greg Bardakos here. Thank you so much for the letter of his passing. I guess it kind of goes in the same way of my moms passing. My father,mother and I have talked about you(The Biama Family)
since we moved. I guess living next
door would be the only reason that anybody could know the happiness that was brought to Coach Biama when he cut Shaggy's hair. To have Mr. Biama allow me on the field in baseball and football at my age then is like being on the 49er's field at any time. All I have to say is that we miss you guys alot. Tell David, Gayle, Steve and Richard hello. We talk about Chuck too(God Bless). I could go on for ever, I might just pop in and say hi sometime. Love you all, The Bardakos Family. PS-Contact me at [email protected] at any time.
Amanda Green Wheeler
August 5, 2007
To the family-
Although I did not know the coach, I attended school with his son, Dick Biama. It takes a great man to raise a great son. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. God Bless You.
Amanda Green Wheeler
Dr. Michael Rasler
July 30, 2007
I can still remember the pregame speech under Corbus field as we were waiting to go out and warmup to play Vallejo High who was heavily favored to beat us upstarts at Hogan. If the 4000+ fans didn't get you pumped up for the game, Biami's words did. The most important thing Dick said was, "you have a choice, you can be a man for 60minutes and be a winner, or you can be a looser and never forget it."
Teachers and coaches impress on us many lessons as do our parents. And whatever success we have in life is no doubt part of this early training.
My love goes out to his wife and family.
Dan Kaiser
July 26, 2007
My thoughts and prayers to Coach's family.
Paul KIng
July 26, 2007
Coach Biama was always teaching young people, off and on the field. How to be a better person. He was and always will be in my thoughts. When I left Vallejo and went to war I thought about the thing he told me how to be a man, and respect others. He was a wonder person and I will miss him alot.
Jerry Duensing
July 25, 2007
My sincere condolences. Dick Biama was a man among men! He inspired you to reach new heights, and be the "best". If you looked up mentor in the dictionary, Dick's picture would certainly be there. No doubt the sporting community in Vallejo and the surrounding area is mourning his passing.
Leon Boulton
July 25, 2007
The Biama family and the community has lost a great man and the most inspiring coach I ever played under. I will never forget his teachings. God Bless you all.
Charlotte Walker-Foster
July 25, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. Student of the Class of 1965, Hogan Senior High.
Jim Adams
July 25, 2007
I have fond memories of Coach Biama. Played under him at Hogan 1964-65. Great coach, good guy, and always inspiring. So sorry to learn of his passing. He left quite a mark in Vallejo, and will be missed by many.
Jim LeDoux
July 24, 2007
As a boy I watched him play. He coached me in football and baseball in Junior High. When I graduated from High School, I was a team mate on the Benicia VFW team. I learned so much from him. I'll always remember him.
Philip Jordan
July 24, 2007
Mary Jane Biama and Family. I have fond memories of the 1962-63 school year at the then new Hogan High. Coach Biama set the atmosphere and attitude for the campus by inspiring the players and students to do their best. My sincere sympathies to you.
Regina Tholmer
July 24, 2007
Dick and Family, my deepest sympathy to you all. I never met your dad, but heard great stories of him throughout our childhood in Vallejo. God Bless you.
Dennis Abreu
July 24, 2007
I've thought of Dick often though haven't seen him in many years. Many young men, myself included, have been blessed through Dick's tireless coaching. My condolences to Mary and the kids (you were all kids when I last saw you).
Osborne Hills
July 24, 2007
I played under Coach Biama in 1955 when he was assistance coach at the jr. college in Vallejo. He always showed interest in his players on and off the field. He will be missed. My condolences to the family
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