Arthur Benedicta Senato
Six Sir Knights and two Sir Knight Honor Guards escorted and accompanied Art Senato to his final resting place at Memorial Garden in Arlington this past Monday July 1, 2024. The Air Force Honor Guard was also present at the grave site with reverence. They played taps and presented a folded flag to daughter Barbara. Art’s impact in our Council was manifested by the number of Knights that traveled to St. Jude Catholic Church in Mansfield for the funeral Mass officiated by Fr. Eugene. Art was a New Yorker (born in Staten Island on May 31, 1933) by birth and a North Texan since the Air Force sent him to Carswell Air Force Base in 1955. Art served in both the Air Force (1952-56) and the Army (1958-77) as a helicopter and airplane mechanic. He retired as a sergeant E-7 and decided to continue to make his home in North Texas. He spent much of his working life at Grumman and retired from LTV/Vaught. He had a passion for all types of aircraft, especially helicopters. He has lived in Arlington since 2001 and became a member of our council in 2005; though he joined the Knights of Columbus in 1974. Art will long be remembered for his work with our council as co-director of youth activities, organizing the free throw contests, attending many fish fries, helping at the pancake breakfasts, being a charter member of the degree team, and his numerous spaghetti dinners to support Holy Spirit Youth. All will also remember his generosity to not only the parish community but also to the council (remember the convection oven). Art was often heard saying, “The Knights of Columbus are very important to me because of the work they do around the world and in the community. Like the military, we’re a band of brothers’. One thing, for sure, we will remember about Art was that you always knew where you stood with him – he didn’t mince words. Art received numerous award during his tenure with our council; none more significant then Knight of the Year in 2018. Art was preceded in death by his first wife Florence Flora (who passed away in 1991) and his second wife, Rosie Hopkins (who passes away in 2004). He is survived by his sons James and Art, daughters Barbara and Christina and step daughters Kim and Robin along with numerous grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren as well as his longtime companion and friend Maureen White. Rest in peace, old friend; you will be long remembered.