RIP Al Bianchi - Longtime Suns Assistant Coach

[Raindog]

I didn't see it posted anywhere on here, but in case most of you longtime Suns fans hadn't heard, former Suns assistant coach Al Bianchi died yesterday at the age of 87. He served as the team's primary assistant coach from 1976 to 1987, by far the longest tenure as a Suns assistant coach. He was the assistant under John MacLeod during the miraculous 1976 Finals run, and later with John Wetzel and Cotton Fitzsimmons.

He later returned to the franchise as a scout in the early 1990s. He was maybe just behind Al McCoy, Jerry Colangelo, Dick van Arsdale, and Cotton Fitzsimmons in terms of his lengthy association with the franchise.

And although he was retired and no longer had an active association with the sport, he still maintained a website and blog where he followed and often commented on the Suns.

https://www.albianchi.net/als-blog/

 

[Ronin]

RIP

 

[AzStevenCal]

Thanks for bringing that to the board Raindog. RIP Mr Bianchi.

 

[Mainstreet]

Rest in Peace Al Bianchi.

Your contributions to the Suns are remembered.

Condolences to his family.

 

[BC867]

'Sorry to hear about the passing of Al Bianchi.

In addition to his great work with the Suns, he introduced the
team to the best take-out Italian deli in Phoenix, Niccoli's, on
N. 16th St. Owned by Joe & Peppy Nicoli, my former neighbors.
They are still going strong.

So, in Al's memory, I'm giving this plug.

https://www.niccolisdeli.com

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

RIP Al

 

[AZ Native]

RIP Mr Al Bianchi.

 

[Dante]

RIP

 

[Absolute Zero]

Dang.

RIP Al

 

[JCSunsfan]

Man. Mortality. A bit sobering.

 

[carrrnuttt]

Damn. R.I.P. Mr. Bianchi.