Arthur F. Banne of Hampton Bays and Goodyear, Arizona, died July 19, after suffering a heart attack in Goodyear. He was 72.
Mr. Banne was born in Baltimore, Maryland, the son of Arthur and Rosalie (Miceli) Banne. His parents worked for the government and during his childhood, he attended schools in Germany and the United States. He graduated from Loyola University in Baltimore and later earned a doctorate degree. He served in the U.S. Army and was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus.
Mr. Banne was a microbiologist and continued to work in research after retiring. His hobbies included golf, reading and traveling the world. But he was most passionate about his family, survivors said, adding that even though he became a member of his “adopted” family quite late in life, his stepchildren and grandchildren adored him. His stepsons called him “Dad” and their children called him “Poppy” and “Grandpa.” Survivors said Mr. Banne often said that the joy of becoming a part of their lives was a dream come true for him; they added that he had a zest for life and for living and truly enjoyed each day to the fullest. He was a friend to many, and his friendships included people he had known since elementary school.
Mr. Banne is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (Mickler) Banne; a sister, Adele Lalich and husband Robert; and nephew, James Lalich, all of Parker, Colorado;; stepsons, Timothy Fennelly and wife Michelle of Hampton Bays and Christopher Fennelly and wife Kristen of West Babylon; and grandchildren, Samantha, Alexandra, Josiah, Christian and Isabelle.
A funeral will be held at the R.J. O’Shea Funeral Home in Hampton Bays later this week; arrangements were incomplete at press time.
Memorial donations may be made to Shriners Hospital, www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/donate, or the Building Fund at Hampton Bays Assembly of God Church, 109 Ponquogue Avenue, Hampton Bays, NY 11946.