Alphonso F. "Al" Fragola

Mr. Alphonso F. “Al” Fragola, age 96, of Utica, passed away on Monday, October 15, 2007, at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on August 19, 1911, Alphonso was the son of the late Frank and Adeline (Grillo) Fragola. A lifelong Utica area resident, he graduated from Utica Free Academy and attended Mohawk Valley Community College. On September 4, 1957 he married the former Mary L. Cittadino with whom he shared a joyous union of 34 years prior to her passing on February 1, 1992. Al held various positions during his employment years. He worked as an interpreter of his native language at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., was a member of the maintenance staff at Mohawk Air Lines, rendered 17 years of service to Gold Medal Packing Co. in numerous capacities, and lastly, enjoyed his vocation as woodworking instructor for the residents of the Masonic Care Community. Blessed with a generous nature, Al was also a good listener and an intuitive problem solver. He loved his nieces and nephews who admired him for his fatherly ways and the time and love he shared with them. Family gatherings were his favorite times, only to be complemented by his “snooze’ after dinner. A man of many talents, he was an accomplished upholsterer, and a very creative artist, painter, and sketcher. He received numerous local awards for his works of art. He was a longtime member of St. Mary’s Church, where he proudly ushered at the Saturday Mass. Al’s survivors include his beloved in-laws, Gloria and Thomas Morreale, who were also dear friends, confidants, and valued people in Al’s life, Carmela Cittadino, and Madeline Cittadino; his nieces, and nephews, especially acknowledging Thomas and Daniele Morreale, Vincent and Christy Morreale, George Casaletta, and Frank and Bonnie Fragola; his great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; and his friends at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Day Care Center. He was predeceased by his sisters, Carol Dellacolia, and Florence Sciortino; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Joseph and Rose Fragola, Harry and Pamela Fragola, and Tony Fragola; and his in-laws, Dominick Cittadino, Joseph and Rose Cittadino, Caroline and Rufus Casaletta, and Jennie Cittadino. The family extends appreciation to Dr. Dilip Kachare who was faithful in his professional care of Al, and the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center, especially the Intensive Care Unit and the 4th Floor staff, including all the nurses and nurses’ aides who were outstanding, compassionate, and respectful in tending to Al and his family. Visitation will be held Tuesday (today) from 5:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Al’s funeral service will commence on Wednesday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Anthony of Padua Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by his dear friend, Rev. Anthony LaFache. Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Alphonso F. "Al" Fragola

August 19, 1911 - October 15, 2007