Frank W.(“Beni”) Habenicht,72, of Butler, PA. passed away the morning of May 29, 2021 at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, VA of complications from metastatic lung cancer.
Frank was born in Dayton, OH on October 6, 1948 to Frank A. Habenicht and Thelma Grace (Miller) Habenicht.
Frank lived a long, rich life full of love, bravery, and travel. Growing up, Frank was involved with Boy Scouts and was the first Eagle Scout in Penn Township, Butler County, PA history. He graduated from Knoch High School in 1966 and Grove City College in 1970. A proud veteran, Frank served in the 101st Airborne Division of the U.S. Army in the Vietnam War during which he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. Upon completion of his service, he graduated from Samuel P. Chase College of Law. He went on to work as an estate tax attorney for the Internal Revenue Service for 31 years before retiring and starting his own legal practice.
It was during his time in law school, and while living in Cincinnati, OH, that he met the love of his life, Mary Clare, and they began their long and wonderful life together. In April, they celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary. They moved to Penn Township, Butler County, PA and had their three children – Brad (40), Shannon (39) and Scott (37). Two grandchildren, Bixby (4) and Walden (10 months) eventually followed, along with his step-granddaughter, Leona (24).
Frank loved to travel and golf, especially with Mary Clare. They enjoyed taking cruises and were both in two golf leagues. He and Mary Clare were part of a Card Club, a group of friends that met to play euchre for many years. He always looked forward to the yearly trip to Topsail Island, NC where they had been vacationing with friends for decades. Frank was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Penguins and loved to take his kids to see games. The activities he enjoyed most involved spending time with his friends and family.
Many may know Frank by other names, such as Beni, but the names he loved best were the simple ones – husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend. He made an incredible impact on this world, and there is no shortage of people who are grateful to have fond memories of their time with him, his wit and unique charm.
Frank is survived by his loving wife, Mary Clare, his son, Bradley Habenicht of Brookline, PA, his daughter, Shannon (Lon) Nease of Cincinnati, OH, his son, Scott (Leyna Krow) Habenicht of Spokane, WA, his two grandchildren and step-granddaughter, his brother, Bruce Johnson of Orlando, FL, his sister, Ann Rovetto of Myrtle Beach, SC, and numerous siblings-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Fox Funeral Home in Saxonburg, PA on Friday, June 4, 2021. A memorial service will follow at 7:00 PM. with Pastor BT Gilligan of the Nixon United Methodist Church officiating. The family asks those who have not received a COVID-19 vaccine to wear a mask while inside. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Nixon United Methodist Church or the American Lung Association.
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