Frank Benevento

Frankie (Frank) Genaro Benevento, first generation American, born of Italian immigrant parents, April 29, 1923 passed from this earth, Saturday, July 9, 2011. He was 88 years old. Mr. Benevento was born in San Francisco, California and was raised in San Mateo. He attended San Mateo High School and completed two years of college at the College of San Mateo. Frank served as a Merchant Marine during WWII and survived the sinking of three ships. Mr. Benevento was married to his beloved Mary Jane Joly Benevento for 65 years. Much of their married life took place on the San Francisco Peninsula. Frank and Mary Jane resided in South Lake Tahoe, California from 1970-1988 where Mr. Benevento was a realtor, business owner, an instructor at the local college in South Lake Tahoe, and its town mayor. Later they returned to the bay area. While back in San Mateo he tended a wonderful Italian garden with flowers, vegetables and fruit trees. He was an avid reader and a passionate San Francisco Giants fan, thrilled at last year's World Series. Frank moved to Visalia, California in 2008 to be near family. He is survived by his wife Mary Jane, his children Larry Benevento of Visalia, California, Danny Benevento of Puerto Morales, Mexico, Melody Heard of Fair Oaks, California and is preceded in death by his son Brian Benevento(1954-1992). His loving grandchildren are Todd Churchill, Felicia Geller, Antonino (Tony) Benevento, Seth Benevento, Briana Heard, and Shane Benevento. Great grandchildren include: Zachary Churchill, Trent Churchill, Dillon Churchill, Ryan Geller, James Geller, Griffin Geller, Holden Benevento, Sophia Benevento, Reed Benevento, Seth Hall, and Jayden Hall. He will be missed by his daughter-in-law Erlene Benevento, granddaughters in law Jessica Benevento , Brooke Benevento, Denise Churchill and grandson in law Scott Geller. Words can not express how much this man was loved and admired by all who knew him. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, July 27, 2011, 7:00 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, 3830 W. Tulare Avenue, Visalia, CA. Arrangements are by Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be e-mailed to salseranddillard@aol.com