Frank E. Gratto

Frank Gratto Obituary

Family-Placed Obituary

FRANK E. GRATTO Age 54, of Boca Raton, FL, formerly of Erie, PA, passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2008 following a brief battle with cancer. He is survived by his loving wife, Kathie and loving children, Laura and Joseph; also by his mother , Lucille and sisters, Janet, Barbara and Eve all from Erie, PA. He is predeceased by his father Merle. A Memorial Observance was attended by his many loving family members and close friends at Babione Funeral Home in Boca Raton. All the smiles, music and laughter will remain in our hearts forever. Babione Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements 561-395-8787 To express condolences and/or make donations Visit PalmBeachPost.com/obituaries

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Published by The Palm Beach Post on Jan. 4, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Frank Gratto

7 Entries

Jeff Burger

January 26, 2009

In researching my memories thanks to Phil Thomas, who also worked with us, I realized it's possible that the road crew of "The Pulse" consisted of Frank, Jeff Ford, and Beau Bensink, on the occasion when Frank came to my rescue, so I wanted to give proper credit where it was due. Nonetheless, all the guys who worked with our band were great characters, and I have no doubt Frank is getting as much of a kick out of my retelling these stories as we all are, from his place up there in Rock & Roll Heaven.

Phil Thomas

January 20, 2009

I was a roadie/sound engineer in Erie bands with Frank for several years during the 70's, beginning with Red, White and Blueberry, and beyond. Frank was a friend and we shared many good times and adventures on the road together though I lost touch with him after I moved to California. He was unpretentious, direct, and honest. He was above nothing to do with furthering the success of the band. I would tell friends in LA that David Lee Roth stole Frank's act. I meant it. Boy we had some times!

Jeff Maas

January 15, 2009

So sorry to hear about Frank.
He was my neighbor when i was growing up. He was a bit older than me and could play guitar. He taught me my first notes on the guitar. I looked up to him and now when i think back, i see where he showed a lot of patience having some young kid hanging around. Thanks for that Frank, you were my first rock hero. I thought you were cool and you had long hair.

Jeff Burger

January 9, 2009

Back in about 1980, Frank played an integral part in one of the greatest periods of my life, the outrageous heyday of "The Pulse". Frank was a very colorful part of our wild and crazy road crew, and there were many great adventures starring the irrepressible Mr. Gratto. Let me relate a few of the most memorable:
1) We had a standing offer to pay $20 to anyone in the organization willing to drink an entire bottle of Tabasco Sauce. Frank was the only person who ever collected the easy sawbuck, and he did it with style.
2) We were gigging in Louisville, KY, when the club we worked at held a hot legs contest, offering a $100 First Prize. Frank was one of the most buff guys I ever knew, and he tanned all week to train for the contest. His greatest move in the show was slipping a bottle of suntan lotion into his bathing suit, bringing it onstage sticking out of his waistband, and oiling himself with it in a manner that drove all the girls in the club wild. He was a born showman, but he was robbed by placing second to a local in the contest. He was unquestionably the best.
3) Frank had a peculiar ability that we affectionately referred to as "Hulking out", in comparing him to Bill Bixby's Dr. David Banner turning into Lou Ferrigno's Incredible Hulk. One time in Ohio, a very large bouncer who took a strong dislike to skinny little me, followed me into our dressing room with murderous intent. He got a chance to toss me on the floor once, when suddenly the entire band, led by Frank, appeared in the doorway. Frank, who was being restrained by our other crew members, Jeff Ford the late Bob Rychick, was displaying the most incredible Hulking episode any of us ever saw: eyes blazing, foaming at the mouth, and with every vein and muscle on his body bulging in his quite evident desire to tear the hapless bouncer limb from limb. At the sight of such a fearsome apparition, a palpable streak of yellow crept up the bouncer's back, and he scurried from the dressing room past Frank the terrible, who was by this time being barely held back by the entire rest of the band. The bouncer kept a discreet distance from me for the rest of the evening, and I have no doubt that Frank saved my bacon that night.
By the by, I caught Frank's act during a Red, White, & Blueberry show once, and I agree with Joel Miller that he was terrific.
He was a great guy, and I'll miss him.

Joel Miller

January 5, 2009

I was Frank's band manager & friend back in the 70's in Erie, PA. Frank joined Red White & Blueberry when it was already the most popular band in the area. I can remember having a "passing of the guitar pick" ceremony on stage in front of a huge crowd at the Erie Arts Festival in 1975 when we replaced both guitarists. As the new lead singer & rhythm guitarist he helped lead the band to new success as we began playing in the Cleveland area. Band practices were often at Frank's house on W. 4th St. which I believe belonged to his dad. I remember Frank for his talent, energy, charisma and infectious laugh. He worked hard in the band, and often took on roadie duties for extra money even though he was the star. Frank's time in the spotlight here in Erie is not forgotten!

Corrine Walters

January 5, 2009

I am very sorry for your loss. Don't forget I am only a phone call away if you need anything to get you through this hard time. Don't hesistate to call me!!!!! Love you guys a lot!!!!!

Sherry Bader

January 4, 2009

Kathie,
I am so sorry to hear about Frank. Brett just said how we should get together again,that it had been to long.Please contact me.If you need anything, do not hesitate to call.My heart is breaking for you and the kid's.
Love, Sherry

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