|
|
  |
Our father, Frank Anthony Fraietta, was first and above all
an outstanding husband, father and grandfather. He was
born in Dobbs Ferry in 1930 and soon after was sent to live
in Italy with his mother Nicolina and yet to be born sister
Mary, due to the hardships of the Great Depression. He
returned to Dobbs Ferry at the age of eight where he began
kindergarten without being able to speak a word of English.
During his High School years, Dad excelled in sports and
especially baseball, which would become a lifelong
passion.
After graduating from Ardsley High School in 1950, Dad
decided to dedicate 4 years to serve his country by joining
the United States Air Force. During a trip home, he and his
Air Force buddy, Arthur Thibodeau, decided to drive
together when Dad’s car broke down on the GW Bridge.
They hitched a ride to Arthur’s sisters apartment in NYC.
That person was Phyllis Thibodeau, our Mom. They were
married in Fall River MA several months later. Ironically,
as fate would have it, they were married 55 years ago this
very day!!
As a young man with a growing family of five kids, the
income from his day job just wasn’t enough. So Dad
worked nights and weekends pumping gas. He also
managed our Little League Teams. Looking back it’s hard
to understand how he found the energy to work two jobs
and volunteer to be a coach. On top of all of this, he was
caring for his aging parents.
Dad worked for over 35 years as the foreman for the
Scarsdale Water department. His familiar radio call sign
was W-2. As kids, especially during the summers, he
would take us on the weekends to the pump house to check
the water chlorine levels and ensure there were no
problems. We always thought it was fun when we heard
him get a call on the radio “W-1 to W-2”. Although, those
radio calls usually ended up being not much fun for him.
Dad was the most unselfish man we’ve ever known. He
never wanted anything for himself. We never heard him
use the words “I want”, unless of course he was talking
about his favorite pastry – a Napoleon. For him, the
meaning of life was all about meeting the needs of his
family. He loved nothing more than to be around his
children, daughter in laws, son in law and 16 grandchildren.
Celebrating Christmas Eve at 34 Southfield was an
especially joyous occasion.
Beyond his family the two things Dad loved the most were
the music of Frank Sinatra and the Yankees. Although Dad
loved the Yankees, it was the music of Sinatra that helped
him thru the darkest days of his life. Dad also had the
greatest sense of humor. It was that humor that got him and
us through those dark days. Even the veil of Alzheimer’s
& Parkinson’s couldn’t squelch his humor. On one recent
stay in the hospital Paul was visiting Dad and when he
went to leave Paul told him that he would be back early the
next morning. Without missing a beat Dad said: “Not too
early!”
How we all wish these past several years were different.
His disease robbed us all of what might have been. But we
are sustained by the love we know Dad has for us all and
the love we have for him and for each other.
We also realize how very lucky we have been! We have
had the great fortune of having the two greatest parents and
grandparents to our children, on the planet.
Dad had simple needs that all revolved around the family.
He taught us much about the merits of hard work, loyalty
and integrity. He wasn’t one for a lot of words, he simply
led by example. His legacy now lives on in each of us.
Thanks for everything Dad, we love you always!!
Frank A. Fraietta Sr. 79, a life long Dobbs Ferry resident, died on July 20th, 2010. Frank was born in Dobbs Ferry on August 31st, 1930 to Paolo and Maria Nicolina (Costa) Fraietta. He married Phyllis Thibodeau on July 23rd, 1955 in Fall River, MA. Phyllis predeceased Frank in 2007. Frank worked for the Village of Scarsdale for 35 years, and retired as the Foreman of the Water Department. In addition to being a great fan of Sinatra and the New York Yankees; his family was first. He loved spending time with his grandchildren; and he will be greatly missed. He is survived by his loving children and their spouses; Mike and Doreen; Paul and Josephine; Steven and Dale; Nancy and Michael Cotter; Frank Jr. and Maureen. He was cherished by his 15 grandchildren. He was predeceased by his grandson Brendan. Frank is also survived by his sister Mary Porpora. There will be a mass of the Resurrection, 10 am Friday, July 23rd at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church; 525 Ashford Ave. Ardsley, New York. Visiting will be Thursday, July 22nd, 2-4 and 7-9pm at the Edwards-Dowdle Funeral Home, 64 Ashford Ave. Dobbs Ferry, New York 10522. Contributions in Frank's memory may be made to the Alzhiemer's Association or the Parkinsons Association.
|
| |
|
|
|
