Obituary: John "Jake" Fratesi, 83, of Naugatuck

NAUGATUCK – Mr. John “Jake” Fratesi, 83, a lifelong resident of Naugatuck, passed away on Friday, September 14, 2012 after a long battle of illness at Glendale HeathCenter.

Mr. Fratesi was born in Naugatuck on September 29, 1928, a son of the late Andrew and Settima (Pernini) Fratesi.  He was a graduate of Naugatuck High School and an Army veteran serving during the Korean War.  He retired after many years of service from the footwear division of Uniroyal, Inc. and was also a loyal employee of the Fitzgerald-Zembruski-Mengacci Funeral Home for many years until his illness.  He was a communicant of St. Francis of Assisi Church.

He leaves behind his many nephews and nieces; great-nephews and nieces; and great-great-nephews and nieces.  He was predeceased by his siblings, Armand, Eugene, Charles, Alfred Fratesi, Noreen Tremaglio, and Pauline Canaperi.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 19 at 9am at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 318 Church Street, Naugatuck.  Burial with military honors will follow in St. James Cemetery, Cross Street, Naugatuck.  There are no calling hours.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a favorite charity of the donor’s choice.  The Naugatuck Valley Memorial/Fitzgerald Zembruski Funeral Home, 240 North Main Street, Naugatuck has been entrusted with his arrangements.  To send an on-line condolence, please visitwww.naugatuckvalleymemorial.com