MARTIN JOSEPH FRAGALA

MARTIN JOSEPH FRAGALA obituary, New Orleans, LA

MARTIN JOSEPH FRAGALA

MARTIN FRAGALA Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Jul. 14 to Jul. 15, 2010.
Brother Martin Joseph Fragala, C.F.C., 69, of New Orleans, LA, passed away unexpectedly on July 12, 2010, in Colonie, NY. Born in Bronx, NY, on May 19, 1941, he was the son of the late Charles and Assunta (Sue) Rocchio Fragala. He was raised and educated in the Bronx, graduating from Blessed Sacrament High School in 1960. He went on to earn his B.B.A. in finance from Iona College in New Rochelle, NY, and earned his certificate in guidance from Manhattan College in 1974. Brother Martin had an extensive career as a guidance counselor and educator. He served many schools and communities including Sacred Heart Grammar School in New York City, Power Memorial Academy also of New York City, Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons High School, Schenectady, NY, and served as Brother Superior, Tampa Catholic High School, Tampa, FL. He then served Archbishop Curley-Notre Dame High School in Miami, FL, and returned to Tampa Catholic High School. In 2001, after a brief sabbatical, Brother Martin welcomed the role of community leader and returned to Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons High School. In 2007, he relocated to the New Orleans community. Brother Martin is affectionately remembered by his family and colleagues as a man with a heart as big as himself. Survivors include his siblings, Charles (Sandra) Fragala of Lake George, NY; nieces and nephews, Linda (Scott) Malcolm and Dennis (Laura) Fragala; grand nieces and nephews, Brett, Ryan, Craig, Stephanie, and Emily. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 8:30 a.m. at Griswold Funeral Home, 1867 State St., Schenectady, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 9 a.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2777 Albany St., Schenectady. Interment will be in West Park, NY. The family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons High School, 2600 Albany St., Schenectady, NY 12304. To express condolences please visit www.scott-barbieri.com

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July 25, 2025

Donald McManamon posted to the memorial.

July 25, 2024

Donald McManamon posted to the memorial.

July 12, 2023

Donald McManamon posted to the memorial.

Donald McManamon

July 25, 2025

Dear Brother, another year has gone by and I still miss you every day. As a fatherless freshman at Power in 1971, you saw my need for a mentor and immediately took me under your wing. That began a lifelong friendship through my adulthood. You visited me and my mom and brothers in Brooklyn and our long phone calls brought peace and comfort into my life. I will always cherish our relationship. I know you are watching over me and I´ll continue to remember you in my daily prayers. Love, Donald McManamon. Class of 1975.

Donald McManamon

July 25, 2024

Dear Brother Fragala, every year brings me back to my happiest teen years at Power. As a 15 year old freshman from Brooklyn, with no father at home, I was a nervous, anxious and troubled teen. About a month into school I was assigned to you as my guidance counselor. My life changed immediately. Your sincere concern for my well being began and would continue through adulthood. You came to visit me and my family in Brooklyn. I treasure our time together and our long phone calls. I miss you terribly. Thank you for making me feel special. Love Always, Donald McManamon Class- 75

Donald McManamon

July 12, 2023

Dear Brother, another year gone without you. I still miss you dearly and I know you hear my prayers. From a young Power freshman without a father, you saw my need for a mentor and there you were. A strong bond which lasted through adulthood. Our memories will last forever. I know you´re watching over me. Love you and miss you, DonaldMcManamon

Donald McManamon

July 8, 2022

Dear Brother, another year. I still feel your loss and I know you hear my nightly prayer to you still. From Power, 72-75, into adulthood, our friendship was strong. When driving in Manhattan, I still recall you teaching me drivers ED around Lincoln Center in that big old Buick LeSabre!!! I miss you, Donald

Donald McManamon

July 12, 2021

Dear Brother, another year without you, I miss you dearly. I know you are hearing my prayers to you each night when I pray to all of those I loved and lost. My brother recently sent me another old photo of you when you visited us in Brooklyn. The friendship we formed at Power carried through adulthood, you were a blessing to me. Please keep looking over me, Donald McManamon

Donald McManamon

July 8, 2020

Dear Brother, I still miss you dearly. From freshman year at Power, you were a mentor and a positive influence thru my adulthood. My family and I will forever be grateful for our special bond. Me especially. Please continue to look after me. Love, Donald

Donald McManamon

July 12, 2019

Our friendship was deep and will be with me forever. Brother knew I needed a mentor and he stuck with me through adulthood. My mom adored him. I know he loved me deeply. I'll miss him forever.

Donald McManamon

August 26, 2016

Dear Br. Fragala,I was just thinking about you and decided to reopen this page. Happy memories are filling my mind as I write this. You were my mentor and dear friend from freshman year, 1972 at Power. Our relationship lasted through my adulthood. My picture sat upon your dresser and photos of you, I and my family are precious. Our long talks helped me through life. I miss you and love you.

Fernando Hernandez

August 11, 2010

Bro. Fragala was my teacher at Power Memorial Academy way back in the 1960s; he was a true gentleman and a fine Christian, may he rest in peace.

Michael Gates

August 1, 2010

Love you Joey. You're my brother and so much more.

Lauren

July 27, 2010

Gen 3:22 And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:

Michael Levin

July 27, 2010

You were such a gifted man in the way you mentored young adults and teens. You will forever remain my moral compass and will be deeply missed.

Bro. Jim DePiro

July 26, 2010

Many happy times were spent with you around a table sharing a meal, around the community room talking and laughing. I will miss you friendship.

ACND Graduation 1998

Ricardo Del Papa

July 17, 2010

Br. Fragala, you will always be in my memories. Thank you for being there during (and after) my HS years. You are a true inspiration! ACND C/O '98

ACND Graduation 1998; Br. Fragala, you will always be in my memories. Thank you for being there during (and after) my HS years.

Ricardo Del Papa

July 17, 2010

Karibu 2006

Thapelo Pitso

July 16, 2010

A gentleman indeed of even Karibu 2006. RIP Brother Martin. South Africa

July 16, 2010

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Teresa Rey

July 15, 2010

Thank you for being such a wonderful teacher and mentor. I remember all of the great memories that you brought to ACND in Miami. You will be missed. Rest in peace.

James McDonald

July 15, 2010

Joe,

I will miss your good cooking. I am proud to be your Brother in Christ. Rest easy my friend.

Raph

Ray Slattery

July 15, 2010

Brother Fragala, I was in your first class in 5th grade at Sacred Heart when you started teaching in 1964. I was fortunate to have you as my teacher in 8th grade and again in Power Memorial. You taught more me much more than academics, you also taught me about life; what's important; how to handle it, and most importantly to enjoy it. I'm glad, and fortunate to have had you in my life. I'm thankful that although we hadn't actually seen each other in the last 30 years, we had dinner last Saturday. After I left you, I promised myself; there will be more days like this. I didn't know that was to be the last, and only one. In reading the comments on this site, I see how much you meant to others as well; it's not surprising. As one of your friends remarked, the world was a little brighter with you in it. You will be truly missed, and never forgotten.

Roseann Quinn

July 15, 2010

Brother Fragala helped so many students at Notre Dame Bishop Gibbons School and also was a wonderful cook who often shared his talents with faculty and staff. Thank you for your friendship.

Juan Mejia

July 15, 2010

To the Family of Brother Fragala, On behalf of the ACND Class of 1995(Miami,Fl) we offer my deepest condolensces. We were blessed to have you in our lives four years. THANK YOU!!! YOU SHALL BE DEEPLY MISSED !!!

Nathan Levine

July 15, 2010

You were a good driver's ed teacher, a good guidance counselor, and a good friend. I think you were one of the first friends I made at NDBG. I'm very sorry to see you go, but I'm sure you're happy where you are now.

Anne Dearing

July 15, 2010

The thoughts and prayers of the Dearing family are with Brother Fragala's family at this time.

Anne, Paul, Matthew, and Julieanne

Adriana Gomez

July 15, 2010

Br. Fragala will be missed. He was a kind man. I have fond memories of Br. Fragala 's Theology teachings at ACND (Miami, FL.). His family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Marlene Morfi

July 15, 2010

You were my Theology teacher at Archibishop Curley Notre Dame High School in Miami and you were wonderful! You made the class interesting, you made us laugh and I will never forget "metanoia!" You always had a smile on your face and I knew you truly enjoyed teaching us. Thanks for everything and may you rest in peace!

Cristina Rivera

July 15, 2010

To the Family of Brother Fragala, I offer my deepest condolensces. I was lucky enough to have Brother as my Religion teacher in Arrchbishop Curley in 9th grade 1995, and he was always so funny and had a way of connecting with the students. He will be missed.

July 15, 2010

Joe, May God continue to bless and keep you close to his Sacred Heart as you now walk with the Lord forever. Live Jesus in our hearts, forever. Jim Hanly (Dix Hills, NY)

Michael Leonard

July 14, 2010

Brother Fragala, you were one of the absolute biggest inspirations and role models for me. You picked me up when I was ready to quit and pushed me forward. You put up with me in class, in your office, and even behind the wheel of a car. I am devastated we didn't get to catch up two weeks ago. I will miss you so much. Thank you for everything.

Jim & Joyce Knowles

July 14, 2010

Joe,
We will all miss you and your beautiful smiling face. We're so happy that you had a positive influence on our four sons at Tampa Catholic. May you reap your eternal reward. Live, Jesus in our hearts, forever.

July 14, 2010

Brother Fragala,
We have only the fondest memories of you.
Wouters Family - MIami

Shawn O'Neil

July 14, 2010

It has been over 25 years since we last spoke. You were a good role model for all of us kids. We need more role models like you!
Rest in Peace my friend,
Shawn O'Neil
Class of 1985 - NDBG
Danville, New Hampshire

Frank Sherlock

July 14, 2010

Joe, almost 50 years ago to the day we met at Power and took the bus ride to Lakewood New Jersey. Two young guys with high ideals and expectations. You have remained faithful to those and have grown so deeply in your generous response to God that you are now enjoying the fullness of all your deepest desires. I will miss you--especially this weekend. I was looking forward to seeing you again at our reunion where you would allow us to acknowledge your sainthood! Now we can rejoice that it is in fact true.
In so many unacknowledged ways you have influenced me and have modeled Christian love, friendship, faithfulness, generosity, integrity, compassion. Thank you for always being yourself and accepting me and so many others as we were.

Jim Clemmons

July 14, 2010

Dear Joe,
Our paths first crossed, over 50 years ago, when we entered the brothers. I was looking forward to the Edmundian reunion to catch up. I'll always remember your even keel, open and honest way you dealt with life. I like to think of the brothers and those of us that took a different paths are much like a compass, no matter how far the points are, they are still joined. Your spirit is always with us.

Bob (Justin) Wilson

July 14, 2010

Marty was one of those guys that always treated the younger Brothers with respect and dignity. I still remember him listening intently to my attempts to play the guitar. He wanted me to teach him to play the guitar too--as if I could teach Marty anything.

Marty, it's been many years since we spoke with each other, but I still love you like a brother, good buddy...

July 14, 2010

Joe,
Do you remember us student Brothers at Edmund Hall singing "Hail Holy Joseph, Hial? Now we can all sing it again with a much deeper meaning.
Robert (Noel) Brouillette

July 14, 2010

You rest now, Br. Joe, in the arms of our Saviour. Rest with Him and know of our gratitude to the Lord for His gift of your presence.
My heartfelt sympathy to the entire Fragala family, Joseph's Brothers in community and his brother Edmundians.
Richard 1960

Jack O'Keefe

July 14, 2010

Joe Fragala was a kind, sweet man. When the father of a former student died and there was no priest for the burial rites, Joe filled in at the graveside. Joe was kindness itself.
jack O'Keefe

Br. James van Koolbergen

July 14, 2010

Dear Brother Joe,
Not only were you a good friend for many decades, but a compassionate, spiritual, happy Brother. We have not seen many like you. We shared community life in Schenectady and Tampa, where I always enjoyed your company. Your sudden death stunned me, but I am happy that it occurred in Schenectady where you had many friends you loved so much. May you now experience the fullness of life with our God to whom you prayed with such spirit.
(Br. van)

Thom Day

July 14, 2010

You made rainy days brighter. Not many people could make sunny days brighter but, you did. You had a way about you that left a lasting impression on every one you spoke to. You gave every thing and more as a Friend, Teacher and Role model for all ages. There are very few like you. You will be dearly missed. From The Day family to yours, Our hearts go out to you. You will be in our thoughts and Prayers.

Danny

July 14, 2010

It's been 12 years since my graduation from ACND, but Brother Fragala remains one of the most influential teachers I ever had. It is not at all surprising to learn of all the good work he did over those years. I could only hope that in my life, I can give even a fraction of what Brother Fragala gave to so many communities during his life. Brother, you will be missed.

Jonathan Sozek

July 14, 2010

In the one year I taught at NDBG - after Br. Fragala had moved to Louisiana - all the kids' faces lit up every time he came to visit. He captivated them. I remember him as a frank, warm, and honest person, a great friend to the students, and a committed advocate for their best interests. A real 'role model' for being human. Well done, Brother.

Michael Rogan

July 14, 2010

Brother, I will miss our phone calls we shared every month or so and our visits when you where in the Schenectady area. Who would have thought we would have remained friends these past 32 years. I'm glad we had a chance to visit when you where here last month.
You will be missed

Michael Fowler

July 14, 2010

You were a kind, generous, wonderful man who would do anything for anyone. You did so many great things. You taught me so much. Even how to drive. You taught everyone you came across so much. You helped me through most of the hardest times in my life thus far. I appreciate everything you have done for me. You don't meet that many people in your life quite like you, Brother. I'll miss you so much

Matthew Cotugno

July 14, 2010

Although I never had the pleasure of having Brother Fragala as a teacher, his presence at NDBG was still impactful for me. I can remember him always chatting with me in the halls about anything and everything. Moreover, he had a unique way of relating to students on their own level. I speak for many when I say that Brother Fragala will be truly missed. You are in my prayers.

Charles Craft

July 14, 2010

Brother, Not only where you a mentor to me but you were my Godfather. I will truly miss all the times we have had together over the past 9 years. My life would not be the same with out you in it. I know you are in a better place where you belong. The only problem is now you can keep an eye on me always. I will love you always! Thank you for everything you have done for me and everyone else!
Your Godson,
Chuck

fjohn reinke (mc1968)

July 14, 2010

The Manhattan College alumni community shares the grief, and is now praying for our fellow alumni and the family at this time. The Alumni Office has been informed. As well as the Jasper Jottings community that I personally can reach. We are all a little poorer now. "No man is an island, entire of itself ... any man's death diminishes me". We are sorry for your loss.

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July 25, 2025

Donald McManamon posted to the memorial.

July 25, 2024

Donald McManamon posted to the memorial.

July 12, 2023

Donald McManamon posted to the memorial.