Joseph J. Frattaroli

Published in StamfordAdvocate from September 8 to September 9, 2010

JOSEPH "MAX" FRATTAROLI of Stamford and Vero Beach Florida passed away September 7, 2010. Born on October 18, 1927 he was the son of the late Frank and Anna Schettino Frattaroli.

A 1945 graduate of Stamford High School he lettered in football and baseball. As just a sophomore Max was selected and played on, the varsity baseball team. He led the team in batting average his senior year.

While still in high school he played minor league ball in the Western Maine league in the Boston Red Sox farm system. After graduation he played in the New York Penn league in the Brooklyn Dodgers system. He won the Falcon Memorial Trophy with a batting average of .469 and he won the Felix LiVolsi Trophy as the Twi-Light League batting champion with an average of .563!

Max was an excellent bowler and golfer. In 1980 he had a three game string of 679 in the Visitation Bowling league. In 1986 he shot a hole-in-one at Dennis Highland Golf Course on Cape Cod. He was playing golf until last fall. Max strongly believed that talent would take an athlete only so far. The rest could only be accomplished through hard work.

Max served in the US Army during the Korean conflict in the 17th armored engineering battalion tasked with building bridges and roads. Max worked for, and later was a partner in, Edward J. Frattaroli Inc. civil engineers and land surveyors. He loved his work and was a highly respected expert in his field. He held one job his entire professional life of almost 60 years.

He coached in the 13 15 Babe Ruth league at Belltown Park and also served as president of the league. Seeing a need for more playing time for 13 year olds he helped establish a league exclusively for the younger players .

Max was a long time supporter of the Italian Center of Stamford. He served on the Board of Directors for many years and as President of the Board from 1991-93.

He was deeply involved with, and committed to, the growth and prosperity of the Italian Center. Max was a long time member of the Old Timers Association of Stamford and the Senior Men's Club of Stamford.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years Jane DeAngelis Frattaroli, his son Stephen of New Cannan, his daughter Barbara Hickey and husband Paul of Stamford, his son Bob Frattaroli and wife Julie of Boston, his daughter Carol Frattaroli Francis and husband Pat Francis of Stamford.

Beloved grandfather of Michael Hickey of Chicago, Melissa and TJ Hickey of Stamford, Samantha Frattaroli of Stamford, Katie Jane Frattaroli of New Orleans, Dale Frattaroli of Lyndon VT, Ryan and Amanda Frattaroli of New Cannan and Christopher and Elizabeth Frattaroli of Boston.

He is survived by his brother Bob of Kiawah Island, SC, by his sister in law Pat Billings Frattaroli of Shelton and by sister in law Angela and brother in law Benny DeAngelis. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brother Franklin, his sister-in-law Peggy Manning Frattaroli and his daughter-in-law, Brabara Gillespie Frattaroli. Max Frattaroli was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend and he will be sorely missed.

Memorial Mass with be held on Thursday September 9 at 10:30am at Sacred Heart Church, 37 Schuyler Ave. Stamford. Family and friends will be received at the Italian Center of Stamford 1620 Newfield Ave Stamford CT. from 12:00 to 1:30pm.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Richard L. Rosenthal Hospice Center, Shelburne Rd. Stamford CT 06902.