Julio C. Bambini

Julio C. Bambini, Raytown, MO, age 85, passed peacefully from this life to life eternal on June 10, 2021, surrounded by family. He was born in Iquitos, Peru, S. A., and grew up in Callao, Peru, the eldest of eight children. In 1957, Julio migrated to the United States and joined the U. S. Air Force, serving four years at Richards-Gebaur AFB. While in the Air Force, he was recognized as “Airman of the Month.” He proudly became a naturalized citizen in 1961.

After being discharged from the military, Julio was employed by Armco Steel in the Sales Engineering Department. He attended Finlay Engineering College and graduated with a Bachelors in Structural Engineering degree. He retired from Armco in 1992.

As a long-time member of Raytown Christian Church, Julio served as a deacon and elder; in fact, Julio lived a life of service. The motto of his high school (Colegio America in Callao, Peru) is “Culture, Honor, and Service,” and Julio tried his best to live up to those principles. He was involved in many organizations, almost too many to name. He especially enjoyed working with the Boy Scouts, acting as Scoutmaster of Troop 285 and leading several Woodbadge courses for adult Scouters. He was a Sachem in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and received the Silver Beaver award for character and distinguished service. He also received the God and Service award for his work with boys taking the God and Country classes.

Julio is credited with starting the Raytown Soccer Club in 1968 and was honored by the naming of their soccer complex as the “J. C. Bambini Soccer Fields.” He coached many youth soccer teams through the years. In addition to coaching, Julio was a soccer referee, instructor, and assessor. He was involved with the Kansas City Wizards and Sporting Kansas City professional soccer teams. He had been a 17-year member of Raytown Rotary Club and was a Paul Harris Fellow. During that time, Julio helped coordinate an international project between the Raytown Rotary Club and the Callao, Peru, Rotary Club that involved the development of a shoe factory. This factory is still in existence today.

Julio loved his adopted country and was very patriotic. He was a member of American Legion Post 189 where he served as Commander and member of the Honor Guard as well as other positions. He also served as Commander of both the 5th District American Legion and Zone II, as well as Post 596. Julio enjoyed working with the MO Boys’ State program for several years. He was a member of 40 & 8 Voiture Locale Trois, an organization that provides scholarships to students seeking degrees in nursing. He also served as Chef de Gare of Voiture Trois.

Julio Bambini made an indelible mark on his community, and he will be long remembered for his spirit of service and commitment in every organization he touched.

Julio is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sue Ann; two sons, Douglas (Barbara) Bambini and Dr. Daniel Bambini; seven grandchildren Charles (Haley), Suzannah, Wesley, Julia, Christianna, Peter, and Cole; brother, Carlos Bambini; sister, Rosa Flores; sister-in-law, Judi Bambini; brother-in-law, Robert Thomas (Joeine); and several nephews, nieces, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cesar and Luisa Bambini; brothers Daniel N. Bambini, Luis Javier Bambini, and Jorge Raul Bambini; sisters Luisa M. Bambini and Maria T. Bambini. He is also survived by his American sister, Susan Toomey, whose parents sponsored him to come to the U. S. and to whom he was so grateful.

A visitation will be held on Friday, June 18, 6:00-8:00 p.m., at Park Lawn Funeral Home, 8251 Hillcrest Road, Kansas City, MO. The memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 19, at Park Lawn Funeral Home, with burial in Green Lawn Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions to Raytown Christian Church, Boy Scout Troop 285, or the Raytown Soccer Club.

A visitation will be held on Friday, June 18, 6:00-8:00 p.m., at Park Lawn Funeral Home, 8251 Hillcrest Road, Kansas City, MO. The memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 19, at Park Lawn Funeral Home, with burial in Green Lawn Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions to Raytown Christian Church, Boy Scout Troop 285, or the Raytown Soccer Club.