Rosa Crisi Bianco passed peacefully from this earth on October 26, 2017 to be with the Lord. Born on July 23, 1923, in Naples, Italy, Mrs. Bianco was the beloved daughter of Anna and Gennaro Crisi. She was the eldest and only daughter of five children.
Mrs. Bianco met and fell devotedly in love with her husband, Nunzio Bianco of Pittston, PA, while they both worked at the U.S. Consulate in Naples, Italy. The two were joined in marriage on November 22, 1950 and had five beautiful children. After forty years of blissful marriage, Nunzio was called to be with the Lord. Until her dying day, Mrs. Bianco simultaneously felt deep joy and sadness to share the story of how the two first met. Often, Mrs. Bianco would reminisce about her true love, saying, “Nunzio was a great man; the only man I ever loved.” She patiently waited twenty-seven years to be reunited with her beloved Nunzio in Heaven.
Mrs. Bianco was educated at the University of Naples. She was proficient in four languages, an avid reader of classical literature, played the piano, enjoyed opera, and loved to cook. Known for her delicious traditional Italian meals, any opportunity for a gathering with her was welcomed by all. Mrs. Bianco spent a great part of her life traveling the world with her husband and family to various far-off places, such as Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and Chile, where she spent seven years as a director and teacher at the Italian School in Santiago. Upon Nunzio’s retirement, the family moved to Pennsylvania.
Mrs. Bianco was deeply loved by her family and friends. As the family’s matriarch, loved ones addressed her by the Italian moniker “Mamma” or “Nonna.” Mrs. Bianco is especially remembered as an unconditionally devoted Catholic of deep faith, who prayed to the Lord and recited the Holy Rosary each morning since her early childhood. Oftentimes, she would be seen with her prayer books and Rosary in hand as she went about her morning routine. Mrs. Bianco was often asked what is the secret to life; eager to impart years of wisdom, she would respond in a knowing way, “Love, honesty, and forgiveness.”
Mrs. Bianco passed peacefully in her sleep of natural causes at the age of 94. She is survived by her five beloved children – Maria Pakrooh, Tony Bianco, Anna Karbassiyoon, Paola Bianco Sobejano, and Robert Bianco –, “ten wonderful grandchildren,” two remaining brothers, Mario and Antonio, who reside in Milan and Naples, Italy, respectively, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A mass of Christian burial will be held Monday, October 30, 2017 at 11AM in St. Maria Goretti Church, 42 Redwood Dr., Laflin. The Parish Rosary Group will pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Rosary in the church thirty minutes before the mass. The family will receive friends at the church from 10AM till time of mass. Interment will follow in Denison Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to Adonizio Funeral Home, LLC.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105
As Mrs. Bianco always prayed, may there be world peace.