Andrea Cassinelli

Andrea Cassinelli, age 86, passed away June 23, 2026. Andrea was born April 13, 1940, to Andrew Bartholemew Cassinelli and Deborah (Babe) Violet Cassinelli. She grew up in North Little Rock and attended St. Patrick School, Mount St. Mary Academy (1958), and later attended the University of Florida. She came from a family of business owners whose properties once included the Capital Hotel, the Brass Rail restaurant, Brunswick Billiards pool hall, and Little Rock Vending Co.

Andrea was married for 30 years to Dennis Ray Davenport. Together they carried on the tradition of owning businesses: Popatop Bottle Shop and Cassinelli 1700. She took great pride in Cassinelli 1700 being one of only a few five-star restaurants in the state of Arkansas. She fortuitously closed the restaurant shortly before Natalie, her oldest daughter, had a catastrophic car accident and sustained a traumatic brain injury in 2002. Twenty-four years later, her family still hears stories about how much everyone loved the restaurant and wishes it were still operating. Throughout the years, she was a great mentor to many employees who walked through her doors. She made it her mission to educate them on what was needed to be the best at their jobs. She was not always an easy boss, but her employees' tips reflected what she taught them about fine dining service.

She and Dennis made their home in North Little Rock where they raised their 5 children. They were members of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church where all of their children attended elementary school, and then went on to Mount St. Mary and Catholic High. She was very active in her community and spent many years as a member of the Junior League of North Little Rock.

Andrea and Dennis later divorced, and she never remarried. She spent her later years in assisted living in Fayetteville, where her caregivers at Langford/Ciel of Fayetteville enriched her life more than they will ever know. Her last 5 months were spent at Mill Creek Health & Rehab in Springdale under Circle of Life Hospice. We will be forever thankful for their loving & compassionate care. The staff will tell you she was easy to love & care for with her quick wit and sassiness.

Andrea was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Babe Cassinelli, and her ex-husband, Dennis Davenport. She is survived by her brothers, Andrew (Drew) Cassinelli and Robert (Bobby) Cassinelli; her children Natalie Hollowell (Chuck), Denny Davenport of Sherwood, Carmen Hennelly (Tom) of Fayetteville, Kirstie Rivera Davenport of North Little Rock, and Keena Melton (Tim) of Key Largo, Florida; grandchildren Keaton Hollowell, Evan Hollowell, Brendan Hennelly, Tyler Melton, Claire Hollowell Frazier, and Kammie Melton; as well as 5 great grandchildren.

A visitation will begin at 6:00 PM, followed by a rosary at 7:00 PM, at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home on July 7, 2026.  A funeral service will be held at Immaculate Conception Church in North Little Rock on July 8, 2026 at 10:30 AM.

Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., North Little Rock, AR  72114.  501-758-1170.