Robert Fratesi

Robert "Rabbit" J. Fratesi, Sr. passed away on September 2, 2024, at the age of 96. Born on June 9, 1928, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, he was the son of Julius and Irma Reginelli Fratesi. Rabbit honorably served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

On February 10, 1950, he married Merle Anita Mathews in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. In 1973, the couple moved to the Twin Lakes area, where Rabbit and Anita owned and operated ABC Printing Company for 18 years. He was actively involved in his community, being a member of St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church, the Alley-White American Legion Post #52, the Knights of Columbus, Mountain Home Rotary Club, The Moose Lodge, and the Elk's Lodge. Additionally, he served as a former Director for the Mountain Home Chamber of Commerce.

Rabbit is survived by his son, Rocky (Susan) Fratesi of Mountain Home, AR; his daughter, Rebecca (Jerry) Duncan of Springfield, MO; four grandchildren, Matt (Kristen) Beeson, Corie (Cameron) Wedgeworth, Jason Fratesi, and Jacklyn (Brian) Stahl; seven great-grandchildren, Evan, Sophie, Bridges, Jaxon, Truett, Stella, and Rinn; and three sisters, Lorraine (Jack) Burns of Mountain Home, AR, Betsy Wooley of Mountain Home, AR, and Judy (Danny) Bennett of Edgemont, AR. He was preceded in death by his parents, Julius and Irma Fratesi; his beloved wife, Merle Anita Fratesi; his brother, Joe Fratesi; and four sisters, Theresa Smith, Lena Mae Stewart, Mary Ann Herman, and Jeannie Culpepper.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 6, 2024, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Kirby & Family Funeral Home, with a Vigil Service at 7:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church. Entombment will follow at Kirby's Tucker Memorial Mausoleum in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Ozarks or a charity of choice. Arrangements are entrusted to Kirby & Family Funeral and Cremation Services of Mountain Home, Arkansas. An online obituary and guestbook are available at www.kirbyandfamily.com.