Arthur E. Benner, Jr

Middletown, RI - Arthur E. Benner, Jr., 69, of Namquid Drive, Middletown, RI, died Thursday, July 15, 2010, at home. He was the husband of Joanne Benner. Born in Fall River, MA, on June 29, 1941, he was the son of the late Arthur E and Mary Benner.Arthur was a 1958 graduate of De La Salle. He worked on fishing boats for many years in his youth. After his retirement from Raytheon, where he worked for 36 years, he worked part time with Mello Construction and as a temporary postal worker during the Christmas season. He enjoyed tractor pulling and competed in many county fairs He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother. In addition to his family, Arthurs true passion was the town of Middletown. Besides his wife of 48 years, he is survived by his son Michael E. Benner and his wife Jennifer of Mt. Carmel, PA, his daughter Karen M. Cavalli and her husband Tracy of Santa Maria, CA, his son Eric J. Benner of Gaithersburg, MD, his brothers Joseph Benner and John Michael Benner, his sisters Katherine Robert and Mary Ann Grota, his grandchildren Michael Benner, Sarah Benner, Nicole Antles, Katrina Antles, his great grandson, Jacob Koll-Antles, and many nieces and nephews. His funeral will be held on Wednesday, July 21, 2010, at 8:00am from the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:00 am in St. Lucys Church, 909 West Main Road, Middletown. Burial will be in Middletown Cemetery in Middletown.Calling hours will be held Tuesday, July 20, 2010, from 4-7pm in the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the Friends of Middletown Library, 700 West Main Road, Middletown, RI 02842.