Albert Dominick ("Sonny") Fracassi, 84, of Niagara Falls, NY died on Friday, January 2, 2015 at Mt. St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston, NY after a short illness. Born in Niagara Falls, NY, he was the son of the late Frank and Concetta (Bonadie) Fracassi.


Albert was a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls, NY and attended local schools. He graduated from Trott Vocational School in 1947. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served on active duty from July 1949 through June 1952, including Korean War Service from 1950 through 1952, and remained on United States Marine Corps Reserve through 1956. He married the late Catherine L. "Kay" Basta on January 21, 1956 in St. Joseph's Church, Niagara Falls, NY.

Albert was employed as an Electronics Technician at Bell Aerospace Corporation (formerly Bell Aircraft Corp. and Bell AeroSystems Corp.) from 1956 thru his retirement in 1990, taking brief sabbaticals to serve as a Deputy Sheriff on the Niagara County Sheriff's Department from 1958 thru 1961, where he drove in the motorcade and personally assisted then Presidential Candidate and Senator John F. Kennedy during a campaign visit to Niagara Falls in 1960, and later as an Electrical Technician at Xerox Corporation in Webster, NY from 1976 thru 1978.

Albert vividly recalled his years in Niagara Falls as a "North Ender" and regularly shared stories and photographs of the heritage and family history of the wave of Italian immigrant families who initially settled in the North End of Niagara Falls and continued relationships with the North Enders throughout his lifetime."

Albert was an avid bowler and secretary of several local bowling leagues for many years, having bowled a record "299" game on May 6, 1959 while competing in the Niagara Falls Bowling Association's 21st annual city tournament. Albert also enjoyed golfing and traveling with his wife Catherine and close friends to Italy and England, as well as Hawaii, Acapulco, Las Vegas, Southern California, Marco Island, FL, Atlantic City, New York City, and numerous trips to visit his son Michael in Washington, D.C.

Albert is survived by his son, Michael A. Fracassi, Esq (Frida Zolfaghari) of Washington, DC; brother, Sam Crisante (Carole Orsolits) of Niagara Falls, NY; brother in law Alex (Rosemary) Basta of Lewiston, NY and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Albert was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Catherine L. "Kay" (Basta) Fracassi; two brothers, Angelo (late Fifi) Fracassi and John (late Julia) Fracassi, and his sister Sandra F. Crisante, as well as brother in law Larry (Theresa of Mission Viejo, CA) Basta.


Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 4th from 4 – 8 P.M. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY 14304. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, January 5th at 10:00 A.M. in St. Vincent de Paul Parish at Prince of Peace Church, 1055 N. Military Rd. Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Robert Hughson officiating. EVERYONE PLEASE ASSEMBLE AT CHURCH. Entombment with Military Honors in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. Memorial offerings may be made to Niagara Catholic High School, 520 66th Street Niagara Falls, NY 14304.