Frankie (Frank) Genaro Benevento, a first generation American born of Italian immigrant parents on April 29, 1923, died July 9, 2011.

He was 88.

Mr. Benevento was born in San Francisco and was raised in San Mateo. He attended San Mateo High School and completed two years at the College of San Mateo.

Frank Benevento

Mr. Benevento 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 from 1970‐88. where Mr. Benevento was a Realtor, business owner, instructor at Lake Tahoe Community College, on the City Council and served as 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.

Mr. Benevento moved to Visalia in 2008 to be near family.

He was preceded in death by son Brian Benevento (1954‐1992).

He is survived by his wife Mary Jane; his children Larry Benevento of Visalia, Danny Benevento of Puerto Morales, Mexico, Melody Heard of Fair Oaks; grandchildren Todd Churchill, Felicia Geller, Antonino (Tony) Benevento, Seth Benevento, Briana Heard, and Shane Benevento; great-grandchildren Zachary Churchill, Trent Churchill, Dillon Churchill, Ryan Geller, James Geller, Griffin Geller, Holden Benevento, Sophia Benevento, Reed Benevento, Seth Hall, and Jayden Hall; daughter‐in‐law Erlene Benevento; granddaughters in law Jessica Benevento, Brooke Benevento, Denise Churchill; and grandson-in-law Scott Geller.

A memorial service will be July 27 at 7pm at Christ Lutheran Church, 3830 W. Tulare Ave., Visalia.