of Clinton, AR
February 3, 1926 - October 3, 2017
Frank Benedetti, Jr. was born on February 3, 1926 in Memphis, TN to Italian immigrant parents and passed away October 3, 2017. He attended St. Thomas School and Catholic High.
Frank was inducted into the Army in 1944 and served in the Philippines during WWII. When he returned home, he went into business with his father and brother at the State Café. Frank always looked up to his older brother, Dino. While working in downtown Memphis, he met a cute girl selling tickets at the Orpheum Theater. Hazel Marie Hurt, known as Jackie, fibbed and told him she was 18 when in reality she was 16. They dated for two years and married on June 21,1948.
Over the next six years they had five children; Frank, Bill, Gina, Tom and Joe - all asthmatics. They moved to Houston in 1958 in hopes that the climate would improve the children's health. In 1959, they returned to Memphis and bought a restaurant, the Delta Cafe. In 1967, they bought a second restaurant, the Hickory House, and Frank worked constantly.
As a first generation American, Frank was very proud of the life he built for his family. In 1973, Frank moved to Bee Branch, AR with his wife and parents and joined St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church. In 1976, Frank and Jackie purchased a restaurant in Choctaw and renamed it the Hickory House Bar-B-Que. He worked there until his retirement in 1986.
Around 2001, the love of his life began to show symptoms of Alzheimer's. Frank was Jackie's primary caregiver until her death in 2009. He eventually moved into a home across the road from Al and Gina and enjoyed his one O'clock beer with Al and last few years surrounded by family and friends. Frank loved his family, religion and country. He was a wonderful friend, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN. 38105.
Holy Rosary will be at 10:00 am on Friday, October 6, 2017 at St. Jude Catholic Church in Clinton. Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00am at the Church. Interment will be at Plant Cemetery following the services.
Final Arrangements are entrusted to Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Clinton, Arkansas. For online guestbook, www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/clinton
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9 Condolence(s)
Debby
Friday, October 13, 2017
I will dearly miss Mr. Benetti and his semi-annual visits to the clinic I work in. He always had a smile and something nice to say. He could always bring a smile to my heart with his positive attitude. Prayers in abundance for his family and friends.
Eve & Millie
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
I know Frank will be missed. He was a good friend and a wonderful person. He gave me my first real paying job and mom loved being friends with Frank and Jackie. We are sorry for your loss!
Eve and Millie
Gregory Woods
Sunday, October 8, 2017
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Loosing a loved one is never easy. I lost my dad in 2010, and my mom in 2012. After my losses, reading Revelation 21:3,4 gave me real comfort. It says: And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away. I hope reading these verses also give you comfort during this difficult time. GW
Toni M. Johnson
Friday, October 6, 2017
Joey and Family: My prayers go out to you. May God's loving hands carry you through this time of sorrow.
Ginger and Gary
Thursday, October 5, 2017
Sorry for your loss. We are so glad we came down and got to visit with him.
Heather Knowles
Thursday, October 5, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of Pops passing. He was a such a kind man. All the years I worked at The Hickory House he always came in the door smiling. I have All of you close in my thoughts and prayers. May you find peace in all the wonderful memories you had together. Love and hugs, Heather
Tami Bramlett
Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Our sincerest condolences to the Benedetti & Booher families. Heaven has gained another angel. Frank was a great man and will truly be missed.
Faye Rodgers
Wednesday, October 4, 2017
So sorry for your loss. Love and prayers for all of you. Faye
Cynthia Nicholson Hullum
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Sadden to learn of Mr. Benedetti's passing. He was a fixture in the Clinton area. I know that he will be greatly missed. Remember the good times and feel the love of your family.