John Bianchi (D53)
JOHN ANTHONY BIANCHI (D53) 21st June 1934 – 7th July 2017, always known as Tony, was born in Macclesfield, the older son of John and Irene Bianchi. Tony was the elder brother of Paul (D55) and the father of Robert (D88) and Nicholas (D90).
Following Ampleforth, Tony was in the Royal Navy for his National Service. For over 50 years, he worked with the furniture business Arighi Bianchi in Macclesfield. This iconic firm was founded in 1854 by the Bianchi and Arighi families, and is now in the fifth family generation at the firm. Both families came from the same small village called Casnate near Lake Como in Italy to Macclesfield. When Tony joined Arighi Bianchi, his father John was still Chairman and remained so until his death in 1992, aged 92. After this, Tony and Paul became joint Managing Directors and the company saw a period of growth and prosperity,
In 1973, Tony and Paul fought successfully to overturn plans of compulsory purchase of the Arighi Bianchi premises around the re-routing of the North-South Macclesfield ring road. With support from the poet Sir John Betjeman and many others, the Order was withdrawn and the building listed Grade 2 and preserved.
In 1975, Tony and Paul provided the furniture for the new retreat house, The Grange, at Ampleforth supporting Fr Kieran Corcoran (D49, died 1992).
In 1960, Tony married Pauline Higson and they had three sons, Richard (D79), John (D82) and William (D87), and eight grandchildren. Tony was a family man through and through. He lived in Prestbury and loved Macclesfield. He was very social, a big personality, generous, a good father, hardworking and a fantastic salesman. He did lots of cycling and walking, he loved horse racing, and was keen on bird watching and fishing. He was a people person, always looking on the bright side of life and with time for people. At the nearby Wincle and Storm breweries, ales were named after him.
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