Richard M. Fratus

Waltham – After years of giving of himself to others, Mr. Richard M. Fratus, of Waltham, passed away in his sleep on Sunday, October 27, 2013 while at Golden Living Rehabilitation Center in Lexington. He was 80.

Dick was born in Quincy on July 9, 1933, son and the youngest of the late Russell A. and Blanche (Morris) Fratus. He graduated from Hingham High School and later earned a degree from General Motors Institute (Kettering University) in Flint, Michigan. He served his country honorably with the United States Army during the Korean War.

He married his high school sweetheart, Judy Barker, in June, 1956 and they went on to raise a family together.

He worked in banking services industry with Thrifty Check (Diebold) and later owned and operated his family-owned business (59 years), Fratus Pontiac in Quincy until 1975. When he sold the company, he worked in the insurance investigation industry for Claims Bureau Inc. in Waltham. Lastly, he worked as a driver for Waltham Central School Transportation.

Richard kept active and loved playing tennis and skiing. He loved all things New England and volunteered at The Reagle Players Theater in Waltham until his passing.

He was predeceased by his daughter, Liane Fratus who died in 1980 and his siblings, Russell A. Fratus, Jean Quintiliani, Janet Gay and Marilyn McCarthy.

Richard leaves his son, Richard 'Rocky' Fratus of Bondville, Vermont; his former wife, Judith (Barker) Fratus of Naples, Florida; many nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews across this great country who he always enjoyed talking to and being with.

Family and friends will honor and remember Richard's life by gathering to visit in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20) Waltham on Friday, November 8th from 9 to 10 a.m. followed by his Funeral Service at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne at 12:45 p.m.

Memorial donations may be made to the Reagle Players Music Theatre, 617 Lexington Street, Waltham, MA 02452.