Teresa Maria Fratino Obituary
With great sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of Antonette Fratino on September 29, 2024, at the remarkable age of 101. Born in Jelsi, Italy, on June 6, 1923, Antonette emigrated to America at 25 to join her father and stepmother. Soon after, she married her childhood sweetheart, Pasquale, following a long-distance courtship while he lived in Montreal, Canada. The couple settled in South Norwalk, where they started their family, and Pasquale eventually established his own tile business.
Antonette is survived by her two sons, Salvatore Fratino and his wife Wendy, and Michael Fratino and his wife Jean. She leaves behind four beloved grandchildren: Adam and his partner Rebecca Strauss, Christopher and his wife Katie, Kelly Fratino, and Robert and his partner Lily Assgari.
Known for her infectious laughter and positive spirit, Antonette had a remarkable ability to find joy in everyday moments, always sharing jokes and stories, particularly fond memories of her childhood in Italy. Her warmth and wit left a lasting impact on all who knew her. Antonette cherished being surrounded by family and friends, and her home was always filled with love.
A woman of many talents, Antonette enjoyed gardening, sewing, knitting, crocheting, cooking, and playing bocce. She proudly served as captain of the St. Ann's Club Ladies Auxiliary Bocce team for several years. Her family will fondly remember the meals featuring her fantastic tomato sauce, crafted from tomatoes she lovingly canned from her own garden.
Antonette also had a passion for reading, especially history, which nurtured a lifelong love of travel. In her later years, she and Pasquale explored the world together, including several trips to Italy to visit family. These visits strengthened the bond between her children, grandchildren, and their cousins in Jelsi, a connection that endures to this day.
Antonette was predeceased by her husband Pasquale, who passed on January 20, 2019; her father, Michael Passarelli of Norwalk; her mother, Filomena Santella of Jelsi, Italy; and her brothers, Antonio Gerani of Venezuela and Louis J. and Michael D. Passarelli.
The family would like to thank the staff at The Greens at Cannondale Assisted Living for the great care and comfort provided during her final years.
A Funeral Mass in honor of Antonette will be held at 10 AM on October 28, 2024, at St. Jerome Church, 23 Half Mile Rd, Norwalk. Burial will follow at St. John's Cemetery, Norwalk. Funeral services are under the direction of Magner Funeral Home. Friends and family are invited to gather in celebration of her long and well-lived life and the legacy of love and laughter she leaves behind.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Ann's Society, 16 Hendricks Ave, Norwalk, CT 06851.
