Frank William Hennessey, Jr.

Francis William Hennessey, Jr., 81, of Fort Lauderdale, FL, passed away peacefully at home on the evening of December 7, 2015 after a long illness.

Son of the late Stella (Marciano) and Francis William Hennessey, Sr. Frank was predeceased by his wife Mary (O’Hern) of Providence, and his sister ChristineHennessey Corey of North Providence, RI.  

He is survived by his loving daughter, Susan Davenport, her husband Jerry of Morris County, NJ, his grandson Matthew Davenport and his wife Karen, his Brother Timothy and his wife, Ann (Parillo) of Smithfield, RI, his sister Ellen Zelano and her husband Anthony, of Falls Church, VA, his many nieces and nephews, and his longtime companion Bob Sondler.

He ran the Hennessey Dairy of North Providence, a small family business with his cousin James Hennessey.  In his younger days, Frank loved to fly.  He had a pilot’s license and was part of the civil air patrol.  He liked to tell how, one day he unintentionally flew over a military base and was surprised to be escorted by two fighter jets to the ground.  Frank attended Bryant College, which served him well in his future businesses.  Frank teamed up with Normand Leclair and opened the Red Rooster Tavern of North Kingstown, RI, in 1969.  A highly rated restaurant, it was a popular dining destination for over 30 years. It was known for its excellent food, extensive wine cellar and exclusive wine tasting events. In addition to the Red Rooster Tavern, Frank and Normand were partners in The PumpHouse in Peacedale, RI, and Via Venetto in Exeter, RI. 

Frank had a great zest for life. He lived for politics and relished a lively discussion of politicos and ideas.  He spent a lifetime reading all the classics and any good book available.  Frank was a kind and gentle man, who helped many people in need.  With recent vision loss, he was glued to the TV, watching MSNBC and CNBC for all the latest stock market news, purchasing stocks up to a week before he died.  A smoker till the day he died, he loved fine wine, good whiskey, fast cars, and great opera.

Services will be held July 30, 2016 at noon, Fernwood Cemetery, West Kingston, RI.

There will be a reception announcement at graveside.  

Donations may be made to Hospice of Broward County Foundation, 5300 East Avenue, West Palm Beach, Florida, 33407 or, at www.HOBCF.org  in memory of Frank.  
 

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