of Conway, AR

July 6, 1935 - July 25, 2025

In Loving Memory Of Robert Peter Fratesi

Robert (Bobby) Peter Fratesi of Conway, Arkansas died on Friday, July 25, 2025 at the age of 90. Born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas on July 6, 1935 to Warren and Angeline (Rocconi) Fratesi, Robert was the proud son of an Italian immigrant father from Pesaro, Italy. He graduated from Pine Bluff High School and went on to become a third-generation farmer in Jefferson County, where he farmed for over 50 years until his retirement in 2001.

Robert was actively involved in various agricultural organizations throughout his farming career, often holding leadership positions. A natural innovator, he designed numerous tools and implements to improve farm efficiency. Among his most notable inventions was the poly pipe roller, which earned second place in the 1991 American Farm Bureau Federation's Farmer Idea Exchange Contest.

He was a lifelong member of both the Jefferson County Farm Bureau and the Arkansas Farm Bureau. In 1981, his family was honored as the Jefferson County Farm Family of the Year. A man of deep faith, he was a longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pine Bluff and following retirement, became a devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Conway. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, holding both Third and Fourth Degree status.

He served his country in the U.S. Army Medical Division, both on active duty and in the Reserve. After retiring from farming, he found joy in woodworking, spending countless hours in his workshop crafting projects for family and friends.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Mary Ann and three daughters, Cynthia (Raul) Flores of Dana Point, CA; Lisa (Steven) Pite of San Diego, CA and Monica Shull of Owasso, OK. He was preceded in death by his son, Brian Robert Fratesi in 1998. Cherished grandchildren include Evan Flores (Lexi), Anna Flores and Seth Pite all of San Diego, CA; Dara Pite of New York, NY; Emily Shull Martinez (Dakotah) of Norman, OK and Adam Shull of Pittsburgh, PA. He also leaves behind one great-grandson, Callum Robert Flores of San Diego, CA.

He is survived by two sisters, Patsy (Bill) Russo of Tulsa, OK and Elaine (Tommy) Dial of Pine Bluff, AR. He was preceded in death by his sister, Jane Borecky and brother-in-law, Jerry Borecky.

Services will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church at 1115 College Avenue in Conway on Wednesday, July 30th. A Rosary/Visitation will be held at 10:00am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am. Burial will be at 3:00pm on Wednesday at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Pine Bluff.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Joseph Endowment Fund, 1315 College Avenue, Conway, AR 72032 or to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1115 College Avenue, Conway, AR 72032.

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