Harry Fratesi

Harry Fratesi, 87, passed away, Thursday, January 28, 2021, in Texarkana, Texas. He was born June 19, 1933, to Dan and Amalite Rocconi Fratesi in Pine Bluff, Ark. Harry began his adult life in the United States Air Force as a jet engine mechanic. After four years of service, he came home to farm. He married Olivia Schmalz on April 2, 1956. Harry was a very successful farmer and land owner, and respected by many. He received many awards in recognition of his superior accomplishments in farming. After about 45 years of farming, he and Olivia retired to Quitman, Ark., for 10 years, then moved to Texarkana to be closer to family. He was an active member at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Lenten Fish Fry, and constructed the football field for Saint Joseph High School. He was also a member of Saint Albert Catholic Church in Heber Springs, Ark., and Saint Edward Catholic Church in Texarkana. Harry was a great father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who will be enormously missed. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Olivia Fratesi; and one sister, Mary Louise Richardson. Survivors include two daughters and one son-in-law, Debbie and Mark Borgognoni of Texarkana, Texas and Donna Fratesi of Sheridan, Ark.; brother and his spouse, Benny and Chloe Fratesi of Pine Bluff, Ark.; sister, Nancy McGhee of Madison, Miss.; two granddaughters and spouse, Drs. Sarah and Matthew Buzhardt of Baton Rouge, La., and April Bower of Little Rock, Ark.; three great-grandchildren: Luke, Abigail, and Michael Buzhardt of Baton Rouge, La. A visitation will be from 10-11 a.m., Tuesday, February 2, 2021 in the Chapel of Ralph Robinson and Son with a Rosary service following at 11 a.m., with Father Joseph Marconi officiating. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 2 p.m., Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Joseph Marconi and Deacon Noel F. "Bud" Bryant officiating by Ralph Robinson and Son Funeral Directors. Robinson's will livestream the funeral. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, PO Box 7434, Pine Bluff, 71611 or St. Edward Catholic Church, 407 Beech Street, Texarkana, Ark., 71854. Online register: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.