Bennie Lawrence Ippolito

Bennie L. Ippolito, 90, of Tickfaw, passed away peacefully due to the effects of COVID-19 Saturday afternoon.

He was the husband of Rose Clark Ippolito for over 60 years, an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Army and the father of three, grandfather of six and so far great-grandfather of three.

After his Army service, Bennie worked as a farmer, carpenter and small appliance repairman around the Hammond area until his retirement in the early 2000s.  He spent time in the 1960s running a business on Galvez Street in New Orleans, a time that he talked about frequently.  A lifelong resident of Tangipahoa, he enjoyed spending time with family, watching football, growing a garden, a good buffet, and vanilla ice cream, though he did not eat chicken. In his younger days, Bennie loved to dance.  His memory remained sharp until his passing and he would regularly talk about current events, sports, or politics.  In his lifetime, Bennie was a witness to many events, which he spoke about, including the Great Depression, the 1960s, Hurricane Katrina and the Great Louisiana Flood of 2016.

Surviving him are his wife, Rose Clark Ippolito; children, Angie I. (Tony) Sutton, Janet I. Rester and Joseph (Johnette) Ippolito; grandchildren, Matthew (Khristy) Sutton, Zachary (Chrissie) Sutton, Jacob (Christine) Rester, Jennifer (Anthony) Rester Fox, Jeremy Ippolito and Joshua Ippolito; great-grandchildren, Luke, Peter, and Ezra Sutton; sister, Lena Gueriro (Tony); brother, Louis Ippolito (Shirley); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Bennie was an advocate of epilepsy research and prayed there would one day be a cure. He was a Catholic who attended church regularly alongside his wife.

Due to COVID-19, a private graveside service will be held Tuesday, April 14, 2020 at Tickfaw Cemetery at 10 AM.

His family would like to thank everyone for their well wishes in the past week since he fell ill and would like everyone to know that Bennie would be humbled and thankful as well.

Bennie's guestbook is available at www.harrymckneely.com

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