Larry Fratello

Fratello - Larry - One Was More Than Enough. Larry Fratello made his last stubborn and unforgettable stand against the universe on September 25, proving, once again, that he'd do things his way and on his terms. The mold was broken when Larry was born, and everyone who ever crossed his path knew it. Raised in Northport, Larry was a force of nature who refused to be contained. A mischievous kid who rode his horses across the VA golf course and once leapt off a barn roof with one, he somehow survived to serve in the U.S. Air Force, a chapter that included being chased by a bear, jumping out of a plane off-course, and standing on a nuclear bomb (accidentally). He went on to become a black belt, Deputy Sheriff, and decorated Suffolk County Police Officer known for running toward danger and saving lives. Fiercely loyal, blunt, and impossible to forget, Larry was equal parts protector, rebel, and New Yorker to the core. He met his match in his late wife, Janice, with whom he bickered for 28 years, sharing equal parts love, chaos, and lasagna. To his daughter, Ashley, he was a teacher of courage and creative profanity, a man who believed that confidence was everything, and that most problems could be solved with duct tape, a threat, or a joke. He adored his grandchildren, Luca, Aria, Ciro, and Enzo, who inherited his appetite and his temper. Larry loved animals, nature, clams, and causing mayhem. He leaves behind family, friends, and countless stories that sound made up but aren't. One was more than enough, but oh, what a one he was. A memorial will be held at Nolan Funeral Home, 5 Laurel Ave., Northport, on Sunday, Oct. 26, from 1-5PM. nolanfh.com