Francis Benedict

Francis Benedict, 86, of Covington, LA, peacefully passed away surrounded by his family at St. Tammany Hospital after a brief battle with Leukemia (AML) on April 19, 2023. He was born on September 8, 1936, to the late Joseph John Benedict, Sr., and Frances Louise Vincent Benedict.
He was a beloved husband to Richarda Ann Benedict for 65 years. Francis is survived by his wife, Richarda Ann Benedict, and his six children, Cynthia Benedict Franks, Mary Benedict Mills (Forrest, Jr.), Suzanne Benedict Brown (Dennis), Richard Joseph "Joey" Benedict (Michelle), Stephanie Benedict Rush (Randy) and Tina Benedict Deckwa, beloved "Papa" to his nine grandchildren, Katherine Mills (Shelly), Steven Mills, Luciana "Lucia" Lazzaro Atkinson (Mike), Louis "Louie" Lazzaro (Tiffany), Dillon Drago, Derek Drago, Dominick Drago, Dalton Deckwa and Farrah Deckwa, and five great-grandchildren Michael Atkinson, Alaina Atkinson, Matthew Atkinson, Skylar Lazzaro and Maddie Lazzaro.
He was beloved "Noona" to his family and is survived by his brother Robert "Bobby" M. J. Benedict, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph John Benedict, Sr., Frances Louise Vincent Benedict, and his siblings Carrie Benedict, Charles Benedict, Pvt. James Benedict, Joseph John Benedict, Jr., John "Johnny" Joseph Benedict, Salvador Benedict, Anthony J. Benedict, Shirley Mae Benedict, Virginia M. Benedict-Evers, Raymond Benedict and Mary Ann Benedict-Turner.
A native of New Orleans, "Captain Benny" had a life-long career as a Tugboat Captain, starting with Dixie Carriers in 1956 and retiring in 2006 from Kirby International. He has been a resident of Covington since 1996. When he wasn't working, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, and working on special projects for his family. He greatly enjoyed the time he spent with his family and friends. He was a happy, funny, loving man who will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Memorial Service at 4:00 pm on Friday, April 21, 2023 at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 W. 21st Avenue, Covington, LA and the visitation will begin at 2:00 pm until service time.
The Family would like to thank St. Tammany Parish Hospital, ICU and Hospice Care Staff for their exemplary care and compassion.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, marybird.org