We are men who lead, serve, protect and defend, whether we are giving out Coats for Kids, donating wheelchairs, lending a helping hand in disaster relief efforts, supporting local pregnancy centers or providing top-quality financial products.
Sir Knight Arthur “Art” Senato, a devoted member of the Knights of Columbus Holy Spirit Council 8157, was honored as Knight of the Year for 2017-2018, a testament to his unwavering commitment to faith, community, and service. Born on May 31, 1933, in Staten Island, New York, Art’s journey led him to North Texas in 1955 via the Air Force, and he made Arlington his home since 2001. A proud veteran, husband, father, and Knight, Art’s legacy of generosity and leadership endures.
Art served with distinction in the U.S. Air Force (1952-1956) and the U.S. Army (1958-1977) as a helicopter and airplane mechanic, retiring as a Sergeant E-7. His passion for aircraft, especially helicopters, defined much of his career, which included stints at Grumman and retirement from LTV/Vought. Stationed at Carswell Air Force Base in 1955, he chose to remain in North Texas, settling in Arlington. Art joined the Knights of Columbus in 1974 and became a member of Holy Spirit Council 8157 in 2005, where he lived out his belief: “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.”
A natural leader, Art co-directed youth activities with Larry Dumais, organizing free throw contests, attending fish fries, and helping at pancake breakfasts. As a charter member of the degree team, he strengthened council bonds. His signature spaghetti dinners, including a February 23 event for 190 people, raised over $2,000 for the parish youth ministry’s mission trip to Chattanooga’s “Alive in You” program. Art’s generosity extended further—donating a convection oven to the council and four Texas Rangers tickets to seminarians at Holy Trinity in Irving. Known for his candor (“you always knew where you stood with him”), Art earned numerous awards, with Knight of the Year 2017-2018 standing as his most significant.
Art and longtime companion Maureen White, named Family of the Month for August 2011, shared a love for baseball and the Texas Rangers. A hardcore fan, Art never missed council outings to Rangers Ballpark, while Maureen worked most home games as a ticket taker at the Home Plate Gate for over a decade, even glimpsing the World Series.
Art’s impact was evident at his funeral on July 1, 2024, at St. Jude Catholic Church in Mansfield, officiated by Fr. Eugene. Six Sir Knights and two Sir Knight Honor Guards escorted him to his final resting place at Memorial Garden in Arlington, joined by the Air Force Honor Guard, who played taps and presented a folded flag to his daughter Barbara. Preceded in death by his first wife, Florence Flora (1991), and second wife, Rosie Hopkins (2004), Art is survived by sons James and Art, daughters Barbara and Christina, stepdaughters Kim and Robin, numerous grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and companion Maureen White.
Rest in peace, old friend. Sir Knight Art Senato’s dedication to family, faith, and the Knights of Columbus Holy Spirit Council 8157 will be long remembered.
