John Anthony Biancamano Sr.

John Anthony Biancamano, Sr., 78, the patriarch of the Biancamano family passed away on Monday, June 8, 2020. John devoted his life to his family. He was a devoted son to his parents Anthony “Sparky” Biancamano and Jean (nee DePaula) Biancamano, a loyal brother to his younger brother Basil and a dedicated, hands-on dad to his three sons, Michael, John Jr. and Christopher. He was a loving grandfather to his three granddaughters, Alyssa, Mia and Ava, and a soulmate to his beloved Kathy.

John was born October 24, 1941 in Margaret Hague Hospital in Jersey City. The oldest son of Jean and Sparky Biancamano. He grew up playing baseball downtown, first on center street and then at Lincoln High School where he was all-county. His sheer talent, grit and love of the game made him one of the greats. He was signed by the Cincinnati Reds and played semi-pro ball for the Destroyers before attending college at Duquesne University.

John was a friend to all who knew him. He enjoyed spending hours with friends and family, engaging in discussion and sometimes heated debate on topics that ran the gamut from baseball to politics.  The mathematician that he was, he would often give us puzzles to solve and would spend hours joking with his grandchildren encouraging them to solve some trivia for a cash prize. He was quick to laugh or to pull a prank with his younger brother Basil often in tow always looking to rile someone up at one of our regular Sunday family dinners. It was at those Sundays dinners that we would all sit around and listen to some of the great banter exchanged between John Sr. and his three sons whom he adored above all else.  As boys, he would make them watch shows like Cosmos to expand their minds about the universe. For fun he would take them to Great Adventure to ride the Log flume. Ever present in their lives he coached every Little League team they played on and rooted them on every step of the way.    

John loved trips to Atlantic City with Kathy and Mike and the rest of the family if we were lucky. He enjoyed playing Wheel of Fortune and spinning the wheel. It was always a great time especially if someone got a spin.

John loved the arts as well. He loved the beauty in life. He enjoyed listening to a wide variety of music from jazz to classical. He loved playing the piano and visiting museums. John was an avid reader. He loved reading the Wall Street Journal and all kinds of books. In fact, he often shipped books by the boxful back and forth to his brother Basil.

John was devoted to his grandchildren. He often took Alyssa to New York City on day trips to visit the Museum of Natural History and the MOMA among others. They would always discuss the exhibits and he would emphasize the importance of understanding history and the arts. John often spent his weekends traveling to see Mia play softball encouraging her to hit one out of the park and to watch Ava ride horses. He always wanted his family to know they could count on him.

John is survived by his soulmate, Kathy; his three sons, Michael, John Jr. and his wife Stacy, Christopher and his wife Amy, and their mother Frances; his grandchildren, Alyssa, Mia and Ava; his brother Basil and his wife Carol; his niece and nephews, Jeanie Lynn, Cory and Chris; his great-nephew, Jacob; as well as countless other friends and family. John is predeceased in life by his parents, Anthony “Sparky” and Jean.

John Anthony Biancamano Sr. will be waked for immediate family only at Riotto Funeral Home in Jersey City on Saturday June 13th at 10:00 am followed by internment at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington.

John will be greatly missed and always loved.