Franklin Delano Ardemagni

Franklin Delano Ardemagni, 81, of Fort Smith, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, December 10, 2022. He was born on January 30, 1941, in Fayetteville, Ark., to the late Gene and Irma (Taldo) Ardemagni. He grew up in Tontitown, Ark., and graduated from Subiaco Academy. Shortly after high school he joined the Army National Guard while working at Mussino Distributing, where he worked until he retired in 2011. In February 1967, he married his wife of 55 years, Sharon, and together they raised their family in Fort Smith, Ark. After his retirement, he and Sharon enjoyed many trips traveling the country, often without an itinerary. They were each other's best friend and constant companion. Frank enthusiastically supported his children and grandchildren in every activity in which they participated. He rarely missed watching his kids' sporting events, whether it be a gymnastics meet or a basketball game. He even built Lisa a gymnastics beam and Jeff a basketball goal so they could practice all hours of the day. In his later years he taught his grandsons how to throw a baseball and would travel around the country watching them play. Always a competitor, he loved to challenge his grandkids to a "money grab" game or hide Easter eggs to see who could find the one with the most money. Among Frank's other passions were hunting and "tinkering." Some of his most cherished times were spent with his brother, Bill, in the woods or at their family farm where they would spend countless hours pondering the various ways they could make a repair. Frank was proud of his Italian Catholic heritage and a member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Fort Smith. He will be remembered as a humble, kind, and patient man who was devoted to his family. His steadfast faith, determination, and perseverance inspired those that knew him. He was a good man who was loved dearly. His presence will be sorely missed. In addition to his parents, Frank is preceded in death by a brother, Cecil Ardemagni; sister-in-law, Cathy Ardemagni; and a brother-in-law, Richard McCauley. Rosary Service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 16, 2022, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Tontitown, Ark., with the Funeral Mass to follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be at St. Joseph Cemetery in Tontitown. Arrangements are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Fort Smith. He is survived by his wife, Sharon, of the home; his daughter, Lisa Malloy (Jon) of Fayetteville; his son, Jeff Ardemagni (Lesley) of Keller, Texas; a sister, Bernice McCauley of Southlake, Texas; a brother, Bill Ardemagni of Marland, Okla.; along with five grandchildren, Presley Turner (Ryan), Arden Malloy, Alex Ardemagni, Cole Malloy, Bryce Ardemagni; and one great-grandchild, Jackson Turner. Pallbearers will be Jon Malloy, Cole Malloy, Bryce Ardemagni and Arden Malloy. Honorary Pallbearers will be Alex Ardemagni and Ryan Turner. Public viewing will be from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, December 15, 2022, at Edwards Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Subiaco Academy, 405 North Subiaco Avenue, Subiaco, Ark. 72865. To view the online guestbook, please go to www.edwardsfuneralhome.com