Albert Fragione
Old Lyme — 1st Sgt. Albert Victor Fragione was born to Carmello and Rosa Fragione in Hartford, on Nov. 18, 1924. Known to his friends as “Al” and family as “Butch,” Albert, 93, passed away suddenly on Sunday, May 20, 2018, in Old Lyme.
Al grew up surrounded by his four brothers and two sisters in their Italian home in Bloomfield. In his teenage days, Al had a love for fitness and sports. He excelled in soccer, baseball and football. He was named the John Atlas of the Class of 1942.
Al's true love was the Marine Corps and the service he gave to his country. In 1942, when he was 17, he enlisted for the Second World War. He wanted to become a pilot, but when there were no planes to fly, he decided the next best thing was jumping out of them. He served with the 11th Airborne in the Pacific until the end of the war. A few years after the war he decided to head out west to Reno, Nev. Here he re-enlisted as a Marine and served for over 30 years as an instructor, recruiter and officer. Al simultaneously spent 30 years with the Nevada Bell Telephone Company.
Al loved many things such as spending time outdoors, fishing, story-telling, going to church and cooking, but nothing compared to the love he held for his family. His favorite days were spent with his children and many grandchildren. He took great pride in taking all his children and grandchildren out for their first fishing trip. Al also loved a good poker game. Nothing made him happier than dishing out a hard time to someone for losing their money to him. In his later years, Al shared his days with his daughter Victoria, spending many of their evenings cheering on his favorite sports team, the San Francisco Giants, and enjoying a nice glass of wine.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Carmello and Rosa Fragione; brothers, Joe, Paul and Freddy; and sister, Caroline; along with his longtime friend, Ethel Hutchings.
Al is survived by his brother, Iggy; and sister, Angie; his children, Carmen, Rosemary, Albert II, Ashley and Victoria; and his stepchildren, Jan and Laura; as well as his numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He was among the strongest of men, tough as nails with a heart of gold and a smile that brightened up the world. Our brother, father, grandpa, uncle, we hope the wine is dry and the pasta is perfect at your welcome home party. We will forever miss you.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 2, 2018, in Christ the King Church, Old Lyme. Burial will follow in Duck River Cemetery, Old Lyme.