Paul Bianchi (1936-2007)

BIANCHI

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 12/13/2007 at 21:15:57

Father Paul Bianchi, 70, died November 26, 2007, in Las Vegas, Nev., where he had been serving as rector of the Shrine of the Most Holy Redeemer, since his retirement from priestly ministry in the Diocese of Des Moines, in 2004.

Born November 28, 1936, he had been a member of the Benedictine Order for many years, both at Conception Abbey, Conception, Mo., and later at St. Pius X Abbey, Pevely, Mo. He joined the Diocese of Des Moines, in 1991, and served at St. Pius X, Urbandale, St. Mary, Panama, St. Boniface, Westphalia, St. Peter, Defiance and SS. Peter and Paul, Atlantic. For many years he was the assistant to the bishop of the diocese and served as vicar for priests and diocesan archivist. Father Paul's final assignment before retirement was pastor of St. Mary's, Portsmouth, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Louis; sisters, Mary Louise Lyons and Beverly Jean Hartman.

He is survived by his sister, Suzanne (Ron) Mahoney, Council Bluffs, Iowa.

A memorial service was held at the Shrine of the Most Holy Redeemer, in Las Vegas, on December 4th. Visitation will be Tuesday, December 11, 2007 from 6-9 p.m., with a Knights of Columbus Rosary, Tuesday, December 11, 2007, 7 p.m., at St. Mary Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Portsmouth. Funeral services will be held at St. Mary Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Portsmouth, Wednesday, December 12th, at 10:30 a.m., with burial following at the cemetery of St. Boniface Church, Westphalia.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Bishop's Endowment Fund of the Diocese of Des Moines. Pauley Jones Funeral Home, in Harlan, is in charge of arrangements.

Published in The Daily Nonpareil on 12/10/2007