Richard Kevin Biancardi, age 75 of Calabash, NC, went home to his merciful Savior on July 2, 2024. Rich was born in Astoria, NY on September 12, 1948 to Joseph and Hazel “Mickey” Biancardi. Rich was preceded in death by his parents and uncle, Francis Biancardi.
Survived by his beloved wife of nearly 37 years, Rosemary; former wife Janice Hagman; sons Joseph (Rhonda) and Mark Biancardi; daughter Christine (Jason) Proell; grandchildren Matthew, Marissa, Mira, Vidal, Ezekiel, Gisela, Jillian and Crosby; brother Robert (Teresa); sister Patricia (Alexander) Raffaele; brother Joseph Biancardi (fiancé Angel Hiatt), step-mother Marquita Biancardi, sister-in-law Jennifer (Matthew) Foreman; many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Rich grew up in Queens, NY in a close-knit Jackson Heights neighborhood. Rich’s formative years were marked by many hours of games with his brother, sister, and friends. Whether stickball, slap ball, softball, or bowling, Rich loved competition, and this continued late into life with his golfing partners, as he always sought to maximize the enjoyment of each round with side contests.
Rich enlisted in the United States Navy in 1968 and served with distinction in communications and security. Rich retired a Chief Warrant Officer in 1988 and then joined INSCOM at Fort Belvoir, VA. His efforts supported many key military initiatives and national security interests. The relationships established with valued colleagues became enduring friendships throughout the remainder of his life. In retirement, Rich worked at both the Sea Trail and Thistle golf courses in North Carolina.
Rich loved movies and amusement parks, instilling a love of rollercoasters into his children and youngest brother Joe. He enjoyed trips to the mountains of North Carolina and cruising the Caribbean with his wife Rosemary. Rich loved golfing with his brothers and shared a love of music with his sister. He remained close to his siblings throughout his life.
A generous man, Rich touched many lives in critical moments, mostly without bringing attention to himself. An avid golfer, Rich helped establish an invitational golf tournament for military colleagues, friends and family. This has become a favorite annual tradition for many friends and family over the past 35 years and continues to this day in his name.
As animal lovers, together Rich and Rosemary have created a welcoming home for many pets they have rescued or cared for over the years.
A Celebration of Life will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at Thistle Golf Club, 1815 Olde Thistle Club Road, Calabash, NC 28468, with visitation one hour prior.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Wounded Warrior Project.
Arrangements in the care of Coastal Cremations of Carolina Shores.
3 Comments
Have known Rich since 1989, when Rich was first hired by INSCOM at Fort Belvoir. We shared many, many trips together and I felt like he was a brother I never had. Rich will forever carry a special place in my memory and I will forever cherish the times we spent together on the road, at numerous meeting/conferences, and of course playing golf.
Over the years, Rich introduced me to some silly golf games, which I would look forward to playing those small money games that didn’t break the bank, but provided all of us some bragging rights until the next time we played. Rich was a wonderful human being, that will take me some time to get over. If there is golf in heaven, I am sure Rich and Frank will be playing “Bingo, Bango, Bungo. Just hope they save a tee time for me.
My condolences to you and your family Mrs.B. We love you.
I lived in Jackson Hgts, Queens, NY, a block away from Rich. After high school, both Rich & I worked together at Chappell Music Co. The war in Vietnam was raging on and Rich and I decided to join the Navy. Rich was stationed in Hawaii and met a lovely young woman there. They fell in love and decided to get married in Robbinsdale, a suburb of Minneapolis. Rich and Jan asked me to be in their wedding and I accepted. I came to Mpls and thought I was in Paradise! I really didn’t like NY so a year after I got out of the Navy, I moved to Mpls. I never looked back! I didn’t see Rich very much after that. He stayed in the Navy as a career man while I only served my 4 years. I am eternally grateful for Rich because I probably would have been drafted and served in Nam and if I survived that, I woild probably still live in NY.
Jim Zicopula
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