"My dad, Frank Fragale, passed away on December 28th, 2025. He was 97 years old.

We were all together when he passed, holding his hand and listening to the music he loved most. It was an experience that was surprisingly beautiful and tranquil, a profound moment that I will never forget. My dad was intelligent, strong-willed, handsome, charming, and funny. He had super close friends and a loving partner that lasted a lifetime.

In 1904, Frankie’s parents immigrated to America from Prizzi, Sicily, and San Pietro Apostolo, Calabria. They met in Manhattan, got married, and lived in an apartment on 83rd Street and 2nd Avenue. Eventually, they moved down the shore and settled in their new home on Norwood Avenue in Long Branch, NJ. Taking a little bit of Italy with them, they planted fig trees in their backyard and grew grape vines that were twisted through the large wire trellis. Espresso and Sambuca. Sweet memories.

Frankie was a talented athlete who was extremely enthusiastic and passionate about sports. He played football and basketball for Long Branch High School, earning himself a full scholarship. He went on to play in South Carolina. Sad to say, his college career had abruptly ended. His basketball coach called him an ethnic slur, and he was expelled for punching him in the nose. He returned home and worked as a golf caddy, saved money, got married, and started a dry-cleaning business with his brother, Jimmy. Supreme Cleaners on Westwood Avenue across from Tuzzio’s.

Like his brothers, he belonged to the I.A.M.A. and was a member at the Old Orchard Country Club in West Long Branch. My dad loved playing golf more than bears love honey. He’d be the guy standing in a line somewhere, practicing his shadow swings. He was a skilled left-handed golfer who shot in the low 70s.

Lastly, my dad gave big, strong, affectionate hugs, and just before his health quickly declined, we had our last hug. What I find most mind-blowing about life is not knowing when your last “anything” will happen.

Farewell, Daddy. I love you here, there, everywhere. peace, dina xoxoxo

Frank Fragale left behind his beloved partner for almost 50 years, Michele Cox. His children: Joanne Fragale, Patrick Fragale, and Dina Fragale-Tarhan. His grandchildren: Brielle, Patrick Jr., Maggi, Miya, Madison, Reilly, and Jade. His great-grandchildren: Apollo and Oakley. Predeceased were his parents: Pasqualle and Anna Fragale. His brothers: Joe, Jimmy “Hambone”, Peter, Mario “Fuddy” Fragale, and his sister, Sarah Vaccaro. Lastly, his granddaughter, Sonni Ray Fragale-Tarhan."

~Lovingly submitted by the family

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