Philip Steven Bianco

Phil was born in Visalia, CA, on November 13, 1933, to Luke and Goldie Bianco, owners of Bianco Fine Foods and later, Bianco Wine and Roses. Growing up in the thirties meant struggles – for Phil that translated to things like pumping his older (and much bigger) sister, Elinor, to and from school on the handlebars of his bicycle, along with helping in the grocery store every afternoon. He attended George McCann Memorial School, where he was voted “class clown,” followed by Visalia Union High School, where he medaled in shot put, and graduated with the class of 1951. Anxious to spread his wings, Phil went to college at Santa Clara University where, in addition to his studies, he joined ROTC. He graduated in 1955 with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. After serving two years in the army, he went back to Santa Clara University for law school, and earned his law degree in 1960. Moving back to Visalia, he initially worked for McKinney & Jordan before hanging the shingle on his own private law practice in 1968.

While in law school, Phil met Maureen O’Hara at one of those dances the all-boys’ schools organize to meet women from the all-girls’ schools. They danced that evening and the two started dating. They dated and danced and eventually married on September 12, 1959. They continued to dance through life and marriage for 62 years.

Phil is survived by Maureen and his six children, Lisa (William) Marich, Luke (Elie) Bianco, John (Suzanne) Bianco, Deirdre (David) Mangine, Yvonne (Theo) Papanickolas, and David (Megan) Bianco, along with 15 grandchildren. He is also survived by his younger sister, Gloria Bianco.

As a father, Phil instilled in his children the value of hard work. Sunday mornings started with church, followed by a hearty breakfast, and then it was “get your work clothes on,” and everyone headed out to do yard work and chores. In the evening, wages earned that day were recorded in the “red book.” Very few of his six children ever remember receiving a payout from said “red book” - brilliant from a parent’s perspective.

Education was also very important to Phil, and he worked hard to provide each of his children with a college education, fully supporting their individual career endeavors.

As a young family, Phil, Maureen, and the kids spent summer vacations at Huntington Lake, often hosting family and friends (most notably, cousin/babysitter Dave Franey). There Phil enjoyed sailing, biking and tennis. Later in life, he caught the travel bug, so he and Maureen took their vacations abroad, visiting several countries over the course of many years.

Aside from spinning Maureen on the dance floor during their regular dancing club events, another passion of Phil’s was cooking. His father used to brag that by the time Phil was ten, he could make an entire meal from “soup to nuts.” Dinner at Phil and Maureen’s was always special, whether they were hosting their gourmet group or cooking Christmas dinner. Phil even taught David Vartanian of the Vintage Press how to make braciole, and he joined him in presenting a master cooking class at the restaurant. Phil looked forward to his Saturday morning coffee with Basil and friends, and enjoyed working in his yard, the occasional football game, and doling out treats to his poodle Mitzi.

Never interested in retirement, Phil wanted to die with his “boots on.” He was a fixture in the Tulare County Superior Court for six decades. He mentored young lawyers, always willing to give advice about their case. He was an “old school” lawyer, courteous and professional to the other side, and had a true passion for the law. When asked the type of practice he had, he would say that he practiced “people law,” and that “all God’s children need legal representation.” He was actively practicing law when he passed away, going into the office five days a week and appearing in court as often. Ask anyone who practiced in Tulare County, and they’ll gladly share a Phil Bianco story, which the family would love to hear.

Phil's life will be celebrated with the following services: On Thursday, February 10th, there will be a viewing at Miller Memorial Chapel at 5 p.m., followed by a rosary at 6 p.m. On Friday, February 11th, there will be a mass at St. Mary's Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m., followed by a burial at Visalia Cemetery. Due to current Covid concerns, the previously planned luncheon has been cancelled.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to George McCann Memorial School.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.millerchapel.com for the Bianco family.