John Robert Biagi

John Biagi, 87, of Walla Walla died December 21, 2017, in the family home that he built and raised 8 children in. He was surrounded by those eight children and their families, who kept vigil with him for several days before his death.

Born on November 5, 1930, in Walla Walla, Washington, he was the third child and only son of John A. and Beatrice Biagi. They were both Italian immigrants who moved to this area and started a family farm growing Walla Walla Sweet Onions. From the time he was very young, John helped his dad on the farm. Although he loved athletics, he never played as a youth, because of his responsibilities at home. John attended Braden School and graduated from Walla Walla High School when he was 16 years old. He met the love of his life, Geneva Nixon, on a date set up by their mutual friend Claudia (Duke) Deccio.

They later married and had eight children. They lived on the family farm and raised a variety of crops, mainly Walla Walla Sweet Onions. John also worked at Northwest Ice and Cold Storage in the winter to help make ends meet. As an adult, John played basketball for many years, at least one of them being with The King and His Court. On one occasion, he even got to play against the Harlem Globetrotters. John also loved baseball, both helping to coach and watching his sons play. Together with his wife, they enjoyed camping, fishing and made several trips to Hawaii. They enjoyed watching sports together, especially the Mariners, Seahawks and Gonzaga basketball, as well as having many chances to watch their children and grandchildren play. Geneva and John enjoyed each other’s company and were best friends, which made for a great marriage. He and Geneva were married for 63 years before Geneva’s death in March of 2015. John was a lifelong member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Walla Walla. It was there that he was baptized, received his first communion, was married and will have his funeral.

He is survived by his eight children; John Biagi Jr. of Walla Walla, Judy (Larry) Reid of Richland, Bob (Debbie) Biagi of Colfax, WA, Debbie (Howard) Daniel of Walla Walla, Karen (Dan) Blasdel of Pasco, Terri (Mike) Neal of Walla Walla, Angela Andersen of Kennewick, and Donny Biagi of Walla Walla. He is also survived by 37 grandchildren, 50+ great-grandchildren, 2 great- great- grandchildren and a niece; Mary (Jarod) Sumerlin. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years; Geneva Biagi, his parents; John and Beatrice Biagi, his sisters; Angelina Owen and Margaret Curcio and granddaughter; Stacey Reid.

Viewing and Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 26, 2017 from 3 pm until after the Rosary. The Rosary will be recited at 6 pm, Tuesday, December 26, 2017 at Herring Groseclose Funeral Home. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 27, 2017, at 10 a.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church with Father David Gaines officiating both. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery in the Odd Fellows Section.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Francis Catholic Church, Walla Walla Valley Human Life or Hospice through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home 315 W. Alder Walla Walla, WA.