Frank Hackett lived a life of faith, love and family.
After celebrating 60 years of marriage to his wife Pat on May 17 at St John of God Hospital Murdoch, he passed away peacefully on June 27 at Frank Prendergast House, Southern Cross Village, at Success.
His Requiem Mass was celebrated by Pat’s cousin, Fr Peter Whitely, parish priest of St Benedict’s Church, Applecross, at that church which was part of their life for 59 years.
About 400 relatives and friends and fellow parishioners attended his funeral Mass, where the choir of which he and Pat were members for 50 years sang in full voice, led by soloist and composer Joe Orifici.
Deacon and principal of St Benedict’s School, Mark Powell, assisted Fr Whitely.
Francis Patrick Hackett, 87, one of four children, was born in Shenton Park on August 18, 1924 to Irish parents Norah and Paddy Hackett, formerly of Kilkenny, Ireland.
His sister Pat was the eldest, followed by brothers Martin and Bernie (all deceased) and then Frank.
At the age of 15, after leaving St Patrick’s School in Perth, he began working for United Artists Trans-American Film Company, also working as a projectionist at night to supplement his income.
He and his wife Pat (nee Collins) first met at the Signals office at Swan Barracks, Perth, while Frank was awaiting discharge from the Army where he served in the 4th Field Survey Unit.
After Army service, he returned to United Artists and became state manager, retiring at 57. Shortly afterwards, he was invited to work at Hoyts on a part-time basis, to set up a distribution side for them.
Frank re-met wife-to-be Pat five years after their initial meeting at the Stella Maris Seaman’s Institute, Fremantle where Frank was with the young St Vincent de Paul men from Shenton Park parish and Pat was a hostess.
They were married at St Patrick’s Church in Fremantle on May 17, 1952 and went on to have four daughters: Ann-Maree, Bernadette, Louise and Donna; 14 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Both Frank and Pat and their daughters played tennis at St Benedict’s Tennis Club as their family home was five doors down from the church and they were foundation parishioners.
They prayed the Rosary every night together and Frank held tight to his Rosary beads at the end.
A true gentleman with a great sense of humour, warmth, kindness and sincerity. May he rest in peace.