The marquee at the Fair Haven Volunteer Fire Company’s Firehouse is once again imparting the sad news of the passing of another of its longtime members — Philip Bianco.

Phil, a 59-year member and resident of Fair Haven since 1958 until not too long ago, passed away on May 21 at Meridian Nursing and Rehabilitation in Shrewsbury. He was 86.

Known for his expertise in clam shucking at Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair time — every single night of the fair from 1960 to 2010 — Phil had his own secrets for shucking like none other and with pride.

An expert climber, worked for the Asplundh Tree Expert Company for 49 years, retiring in 1997, he acquired the special skill of being able to root a new tree from a cut branch. Known for his green thumb, he took a lot of pride in his vegetable and flower gardens, his family said in his obituary.

Phil was also a charter member of the Manchester Sportsman’s Club in Whiting.

Raised in New Shrewsbury (now Tinton Falls), he was the ninth of ten children born to R. Fred and Rosina Binaco.

Phil is survived by his wife of 62 years , Ruth (Sonnichsen) Binaco; and three sons, Philip Andrew, David A. Binaco (Kristine ), and Matthew T., all of Fair Haven; two grandsons, Raymond A . Binaco, of Springfield, and Russell L. Binaco, of Fair Haven; his brother, Raymond Binaco (Terri), of Colts Neck; and his sister, Flora Deadly (Russell), of Blackwood; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by: three sisters, Speranza Falbo, Adeline Bellovus, and Violet Alvino; and four brothers, Patsy, Felix, George and Charles Bianco; and his first grandson, David Daniel Binaco .

Andrew and Matthew Binaco, with whom Philip lived, are to be credited for the special care they provided to their dad in his last years.

Visitation will be Tuesday, May 23, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Thompson Memorial Home, with a firemen’s service at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be Wednesday morning at 10:30 at the funeral home, with interment to follow in Fair View Cemetery, Middletown.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Fair Haven Volunteer Fire Company, 643 River Rd., Fair Haven, NJ 07704, would be welcomed.

— Obituary/courtesy of the Binaco family and Thompson Memorial Home.