Roland J. Fraticelli

Leominster, longtime member of
The Colonial Band; 77
LEOMINSTER Roland J. "Rollie" Fraticelli of Leominster passed away at the Sterling Healthcare Facility after a long illness, surrounded by his family. Roland was the son of Michele and Maria (Misino) Fraticelli. He was born on December 21, 1931 at Leominster Hospital.
Roland leaves behind his loving wife of 49 years, Ann (Crowley) Fraticelli. He also leaves behind one son, Michael and his wife Katherine of Leominster. His life was touched by eight grandchildren, Thomas Fraticelli of Sacramento CA, Marine LCpl. Mathew Fraticelli and his expecting wife Marissa of Virginia Beach VA, Jonathan Fraticelli of Leominster and his beloved princess Kaitlyn Fraticelli also of Leominster, also Erin, Heather, Meagan and Michal Walsh of Lunenburg. Roland also had two sisters, Angela Fraticelli and Lucy Scaramuzzi of Leominster, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Roland also leaves his special little buddy, "Oscar" aka Pasquali, his beloved pet.
Roland graduated from Leominster High School in 1950, he also attended Becker Jr. College. Roland joined the Navy in 1951, attending the U.S. Naval Music School in Washington D.C., playing the alto sax. Roland served aboard the USS Hornet and the USS Valley Forge. He completed two world tour cruises and also served in the Korean Conflict.
Roland was employed as an Associate Chemist for Borden Chemical and Nova Corp., retiring in 1997. Roland's love was for music. He played the saxophone and the clarinet. Roland began taking music lessons at age ten with Gaspare Bisceglia. He joined the Colonial Band of Leominster at the age of sixteen, retiring from the band in 2005. Roland also was a founding member of the dance band group 70. Roland also played in several other bands during his lifetime, Frankie Dees, Dick Willimas Joint Ventures and Star Clusters.
Roland was predeceased in death by his daughter Karen Walsh on December 18, 2002,
Roland and his family would like to recognize a special warm thank you to the wonderful staff members and the Hospice Specialists at the Sterling Healthcare Facility.
FRATICELLI The funeral will be held Friday, December 18, 2009 from Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg, with a Mass at 10:00 A.M. in Holy Family of Nazareth Church, 750 Union St. Burial will follow in St. Leo's Cemetery. Calling hours are Thursday from 4-8 P.M. In lieu of flowers, it is Roland's wishes that contriburions be made in his memory to The Colonial Band of Leominster, c/o John DeCiccio, 193 N. Main St., Leominster, MA 01453.