Frank W. Habenicht
Frank W. “Beni” Habenicht, 72, of Butler, passed away the morning of May 29, 2021, at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, Va., of complications from metastatic lung cancer.
Frank was born Oct. 6, 1948, in Dayton, Ohio, 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 the Boy Scouts and was the first Eagle Scout in Penn Township Butler County 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.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, Ohio, 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, and had their three children, Brad, 40; Shannon, 39; and Scott, 37; two grandchildren eventually followed, Bixby, 4; and Walden, 10 months; and then his stepgranddaughter, Leona, 24.Frank loved to travel and golf, especially with Mary Clare. They enjoyed taking cruises, and were both in two golf leagues. They were both 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, N.C., 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; his daughter, Shannon (Lon) Nease of Cincinnati, Ohio; his son, Scott (Leyna Krow) Habenicht of Spokane, Wash.; his two grandchildren and his stepgranddaughter; his brother, Bruce Johnson of Orlando, Fla.; his sister, Ann Rovetto of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; and numerous siblings-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.HABENICHT — Visitation for Frank W. “Beni” Habenicht, who died Saturday, May 29, 2021, will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. Friday at Fox Funeral Home, 410 W. Main St., Saxonburg.A memorial service will follow at 7 p.m. 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.For more information, please visit www.foxfuneralhomeinc.com.
