Longtime Ventura County Contractor Dies. Robert A. Bianchi passed away peacefully in his daughter's home on Monday, April 8, 2013. Bob was born on June 17, 1926, at St. John's Hospital in Oxnard, Calif., to his parents, Ernesto Carlos Bianchi and Antoinette Angelia Cananas. He attended Somis School and Moorpark High School. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served in WWII. During WWII Bob participated in the Island Hopping Campaign. He fought in the Battle of Tarawa, Saipan and turned 18 while fighting on Iwo Jima. He was discharged in August 1951, but was later recalled to serve in the Korean War. Bob fought with the 1st Marine Division in one of the most notorious Marine Corp battles of all time, "Battle of Chosen Reservoir." After he came home from the war he worked for the Ventura County Fire Department and later married Roberta Ann Milligan "Bobbie" of Somis and together they had one daughter, Roberta Ann. The family moved to Thousand Oaks where he continued his work as a Fireman. Bob always knew at a young age that he wanted to be self employed. He started out with $500, a D8 dozer and with determination and hard work "R.A. Bianchi Construction Company" was born. Bob received his general engineering contracts license and performed jobs around the county such as: building dams, cleaning out debris basins, building bridges, house pads and road work. In the late 1970's R.A Bianchi Construction Company incorporated and became "Bianco Corporation." His signature R.A. Bianchi colors were school bus yellow and black, and his vehicles were spotted throughout the county. Bob was very proud of his Italian Portuguese descent. He was a member of the PSSA #128, Oxnard, Calif., he received his 55 year pin from the Elks Lodge #1443, Oxnard, Calif., and a member of The Sons of Italy. Bob was one of the Magnificent Seven, who helped start the Ventura County Sheriff K-9 Department. Bob was a long-time supporter of the local youth projects at the Ventura County Fair Junior Livestock Auction. Bob loved the beach and made Faria Beach his home for many years. Bob loved to shoot trap, watch Old Westerns and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. His pride and joy were his two granddaughters, Krista and Karie. He is survived by his daughter, Roberta Ann Bianchi; granddaughter, Krista Nowak, and her husband, Sean; granddaughter, Karie Gaumer; and two great-grandsons, Tyler and Cooper Nowak all from Somis; his brother, Paul Paxton, and wife, Jan from Oxnard. He is also survived by numerous family and friends. Bob was extremely proud of serving for his Country as a Marine and lived by the Semper Fidelis motto. His family will forever be lost without his "Spicy Italian" personality. If the Army and the Navy Ever look on Heavens scenes, They will find the streets are guarded By United States Marines Oorah!!! Simper Fi. A Funeral Service will take place on Wednesday, April 17, at 2 p.m. at Griffin Family Funeral Chapels, 1075 East Daily Dr., Camarillo, Calif. 482-1166. A Celebration of Life will follow.