Richard Fratesi

Richard Fratesi of Rockford entered into rest on February 26th, 2016, surrounded by his loving family, as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Born in Chicago on September 14, 1931, Richard was the son of Nazzareno and Emilia (Frontini). He leaves behind his loving companion, Elizabeth McCoy, with whom he has spent the latter part of his life. Richard was an incredible father to Mary Patricia, Joseph (Lindsey Taylor), Peter (Kristine Hobson), Michael (Ann McGeady) and Ann (Robert Karofsky). His grandchildren, Raffaella, Alexandra, and Michael Mucerino, Jackson, Madeleine, and Andrew Karofsky, and Adele Fratesi loved and adored him.

Richard graduated from Loyola University of Chicago, and earned an MBA from DePaul University. After college, he honorably served his country in the United States Marine Corps, as a First Lieutenant. For most of his career he worked at Metal Cutting Tools, Inc. (Metcut) of Rockford, retiring as its President.

Richard had many interests, including hiking, sailing, cross-country skiing and cycling. He remained active throughout his life, exercising daily. He was deeply involved in a wide range of charitable work, which included volunteering his time at the St. Elizabeth Center food pantry, and counseling and tutoring children. A devout Catholic, he was an active member of his church, the Cathedral of Saint Peter, and of the larger diocese.

Richard’s life will be celebrated at the Cathedral of Saint Peter, 1243 North Church Street, Rockford, IL at 10:30am on Friday March 4th. Visitation will be held prior to the service, from 9:30 to 10:30am, in the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard’s memory to Carpenter’s Place Outreach Center http://www.carpentersplace.org or Marine Corp Toys for Tots http://toysfortots.org. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 3910 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford, IL 61103. – Send online condolence at www.fitzgeraldfh.com