Joseph Vincent Biondi Sr.

When reflecting on the life of Joseph Biondi Sr., there are three attributes that are visibly woven throughout his tapestry in time – devotion to family, unwavering faith, and true commitment to his country. A deeply religious man, Joe taught us to fully live in each moment, not taking even one breath for granted. With a deep love for baseball, he invited his children into his love of the game, turning something ordinary into something extraordinary. Joe thought nothing of providing help to a loved one in need at the drop of a hat as being selfless was a trait that came naturally to him. Life will not be the same without Joe here, but all who knew him will be forever blessed because of his kindhearted touch.

The Roaring Twenties were a time of overall prosperity as business was booming and great advancements were being made in the industrial sector that forever changed the cultural fabric of our nation. It was amidst this time of unprecedented change that there was much to celebrate in one young family from Granger, Iowa, since they were pleased to announce the birth of a healthy baby boy. Joseph Vincent was welcomed into the world by his parents, Joseph and Mary Louisa (Berti) Biondi, and was the tenth of twelve children in his family, although two of his siblings died as infants. His father was a coal miner, but he was also the town marshal and a leader in the community. This came in handy on occasion such as the time he took one of his children in to meet the governor, unannounced.

The Biondi family was dealt a devastating blow with the death of Joe’s father when Joe was 13. This left his mother on her own with the help of Joe’s oldest sister, Ann, who was an RN. When his older brothers went off to war, Joe helped his mother, too, both with his younger siblings and the home. Just a few years later, Joe’s mother became ill and his sister again came to help just about six months before his mother died in 1943 when Joe was 17.

After graduating from high school, Joe served in the United States Navy with the Seabees. During his time in the service he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, as part of the Pacific Theater. In recognition of his service, Joe was awarded three battle stars and a Victory Medal.

When his duty to his country was fulfilled, Joe moved to Illinois where he worked in the athletic department of Lake Forest College. Life would never be the same for Joe after shopping with a friend one day in Waukegan. The young men decided to stop in at a dance and it was there that Joe spotted the love of his life. Her name was Mary Ann Fischer and it was actually Joe’s buddy who told him that she was the girl Joe would marry. Well, his buddy was right and just a short time later, the couple exchanged their vows on November 24, 1955, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Racine, beginning a new chapter in a love story that would span 55 years.

Joe’s new bride was from Racine, Wisconsin, so the couple settled into a home just three houses down from Mary’s parents. Initially Joe worked delivering bread for Omar Bakery but when his father-in-law told him American Motors was hiring, he seized the opportunity. For the next 30 years he worked as a repairman finisher for American Motor/Chrysler responsible for buffing out any imperfections in the cars. Together Joe and Mary were blessed with eight children: Joe Jr., Mary, Robert, Michael, John, Richard, Ann, and Gina. Joe was deeply devoted to his family and was an active part of his children’s lives.

Throughout his life, Joe had a deep love for baseball. He began playing as a young boy, again while at Granger High School, and as an adult as well. Joe played in the outfield for the Navy baseball team, and he later played catcher for the Racine Industrial Motors team for years. Once his children were old enough, Joe focused his attention on teaching his children the ins and outs of the game. He spent countless hours at Hansche Elementary School playing with his own kids and the neighborhood kids, too. Joe always encouraged his children in their own athletic endeavors and was so very proud of both his children and his grandchildren.

Although much of Joe’s time was wrapped up in his family, he kept busy with other things, especially after he retired on January 1, 1989. He was a dedicated member of St. Richard Catholic Church, formerly Holy Name, and his faith played a vital role in his life. Joe was also a member of the American Legion. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and was always looking for ways he could help those he loved. Mary was forever grateful for the numerous times Joe went to help his mother-in-law without hesitation.

In everything he did, Joseph Biondi Sr. was a man of great honor and integrity. He was honest with people and someone who could be counted on whether in ways great or small. Joe heeded his mother’s advice to live a clean life and never tired of doing what was right. One of Mary’s friends described him as “plain as mud,” meant in the kindest way. Joe leaves behind a brilliant tapestry of memories that will live on in the hearts and lives of those who loved him deeply. He will be greatly missed.

Joseph V. Biondi Sr. died on Saturday, April 2, 2011 at Wheaton Franciscan All Saints Medical Center. Joe’s family includes his wife, Mary; his children, Joseph V. Biondi Jr. of Racine; Mary (Gerald) Kasinski of Caledonia, Robert (Glenda) Biondi of Fond Du Lac, Michael Biondi of Racine, John Biondi of Sturtevant, Richard (Debra) Biondi of Caledonia, Ann Biondi of Sturtevant, Gina (Anthony) Dentici of Racine; grandchildren, Kelli and Karen Kasinski, Jeremy Biondi, John Biondi, Sarah Biondi, and Jessica Mielke, Gemma and Sofia Dentici; great granddaughter, Madelynn Mielke; sisters-in-law and brothers–in-law, Laura Biondi, Edith Biondi, Tina Biondi, Robert (Carol) Fischer, Anthony (Carol) Fischer, John Fischer; nieces, nephews, special friends, Carl Cyrkovich, Jim McGinnis and Leonard Dembrosio; other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents Joe was preceded in death by his siblings, Ann (Giuse) Brugioni, Elio (Esther) Biondi, Aldo Biondi, Eldo Biondi, Elis Biondi, Edward Biondi, Elmer (Frances) Biondi, Virgina Biondi, Virgil Biondi, Richard Biondi and Marilyn Biondi. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, April 8, 2011, 10:30 a.m. at St. Richard’s Catholic Church, 1503 Grand Ave with Reverend Ronald J. Gramza officiating. Interment will full military honors follow at Holy Cross Cemetery Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet Thursday at the funeral home 5-7 p.m. and on Friday at the church from 10 a.m. until time of Mass. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or make a donation to St. Richard’s Catholic Church. MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME, 803 MAIN ST. RACINE, WI 53403, (262) 634-7888.