Louis P. Fratto, of Medford, formerly of East Boston, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, February 18th at the Courtyard Nursing Care Center in Medford. He was 91.
Born in East Boston, he was the son of the late John and Concetta Fratto. Louis graduated from Medford High School and enlisted in the United States Army. He proudly served during WWII from March 11, 1944 to May 23, 1946 and earned a Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal, European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon, and an Army of Occupation Medal of Germany.
After his honorable discharge, Louis married his wife Josephine on September 19, 1948 at St. Lazarus Church in East Boston. Louis first met Josephine when he was in the service. He and a few of his fellow Army buddies were at a dance one evening and Louis said to one of them, “See her over there in that beautiful red dress?” While pointing to Josephine, he said to his buddie, “I’m going to marry her.” Louis and Josephine loved each other dearly and were devoted to their family. They continued to ballroom dance together for decades, something they both loved profoundly.
Louis built a career working as a locksmith, but when he wasn’t at work, he could be found with his children and grandchildren. Louis was a family man, he loved being with his children and grandchildren.
Louis enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life. He made stain glass, enjoyed woodworking, and loved going to the beach. He loved to walk in the sand and smell the fresh ocean air with the breeze upon his face. Louis also dabbled in photography. At one point, he even had his own dark room and developed his own photographs. He was often referred to as the Fratto family photographer.
When not partaking in his other pastimes, Louis liked to travel. He and Josephine traveled to Italy four times. The first time they visited Italy, they traveled from Northern Italy all the way to Sicily where they had some extended family. And when his childrens' careers took them to other parts of the country, he and Josephine took advantage of the opportunity it afforded them. They were able to see much of the United States by going to visit their children.
Louis never lost an opportunity to discover a new interest. Later in in his life, when computers entered the market, he taught himself how to use one. He quickly developed a love for technology and playing computer games, especially with his grandchildren. His family described him as “a kid at heart”. He knew how to see the good in things and enjoyed his life to the fullest.
Louis was the beloved husband of Josephine (Celona) Fratto, with whom he shared sixty-nine loving years of marriage. He was the devoted father of Robert Fratto and his wife Donna of North Carolina, Edward Fratto and his wife Christine of Winchester, Linda Ariota and her husband Jim of Puallup, Washington, Donna Kisby and her husband Glen of Portland, Oregon, Sandy DeFazio and her husband Paul of Medford. Louis was the loving grandfather of Genessa, Cara, Lisa, Stephanie, Kristina, Mark, Amy, Natalie, Bryan, Eddie, Brian, and Janelle. He was the loving great grandfather of Beatrice and Frances and the dear brother of Loretta Raso and her late husband Greg. Louis was preceded in death by his siblings Tony, Rose, Sam, Joe, Al, Frank, Natalie, Catherine and Richard. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
His funeral will be from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main Street, Medford, on Friday, February 24th at 9AM followed by a Funeral Mass celebrated in Immaculate Conception Church, 600 Pleasant Street, Malden, at 10AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, February 23rd from 4 through 8PM. Services will conclude with interment and military honors at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in Louis’ name to St. Jude Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee, 38105-1942.