Raymond L. Fracek

Raymond (Ray) Fracek, 92 slipped away peacefully just after the end of the Little League World Series. Since sports was a foundation in which he was built upon it seemed rightly so. Ray was from the Mount Oliver borough of Pittsburgh Pa. Along with his six siblings. Francis “Frank”, Eleanor (Messer), Leonard, Edmund, Marlene “Tootsie” (Vavrek), Donna (Petro). To his Parents Francis “Frank” Sr. and Stella Fracek. Ray was a stand out athlete through school and held his own with local sports notables such as Joe Schmidt (Detroit lions) and Johnny Unitas (Baltimore Colts) both of which are in the Hall of Fame. Sports wasn’t his calling, he joined the Army to volunteer during the Korean War. He returned to civilian life he began a career of over 36 years in the United States Post Office. Ray walked a picket line and was part of the reorganization which became the United States Postal Service. There he soon met his wife to be , Mary “Rose” Fracek. The two were married on November 25, 1967, and remained as such until her passing on December 9, 2020. They had four sons. Gary N. Reichard, Glen A. Reichard, Joseph R. Fracek, David L. Fracek. Ray was preceded in death by his wife Mary “Rose”, Parents Frank and Stella, Brothers Frank Jr., Edmund, Sisters Eleanor, Marlene, Son Glen Reichard, Grandson Eric Reichard, Nephew Raymond “Chip” Petro. In-laws William “Bill” Messer, Joseph “Joe” Petro, Joseph “Joe” Vavrek, Joseph “Sonny” Zurawka, Theresa Podobinski, Robert”Bob” Zurawka. Ray is survived by his sons, Gary N. Reichard, Joseph R Fracek (wife Alice), David L. Fracek. His Brother Leonard Fracek (wife Margaret) of Australia, Sister Donna Petro of Sarasota, Sister in-law Theresa Fracek of Wilmington Del. Seven grandchildren; Nick Reichard, Jana H. Fussell, Shannon M. Fracek, Austin W. Burns, Veronica R. Fracek, Sydney Rose-Fracek and Joseph R. Fracek Jr. Five Great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Ray was a devoted husband and loving father who had many interest and loves, history (especially military), beating everyone at Jeopardy, or yelling at the TV cause a ref blew a call. He disliked the lack of fundamentals in professional sports and could not stand pampered quarterbacks. “Just play the game” he would say. “Play it the right way.” Ray was described as a quiet man..… that you did not want to make mad. He stood up for what was right and didn’t waiver in his convictions. But he also was very kind and generous. He was always there when you needed him. A lot of the times, not to tell you what you wanted to hear but what you needed to. He was Dad. He will be missed. Viewing will be held on Tuesday Sept. 5, 2023 from 6-8 pm at Toale Brothers Funeral Home 40 N. Orange ave. Sarasota Fl. 34236 A memorial mass will follow on Wednesday Sept. 6, 2023 11:00am at Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic Church (Siesta Key) His interment will follow at 1:30pm at Sarasota National Cemetery.

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Raymond L. Fracek

March 27, 1931 - August 27, 2023