Joseph Fratangelo

Joe Fratangelo, 78, of Turtle Creek, PA, peacefully passed on Sunday, April 12, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Joe was born to be an athlete, a fighter, some doctors even called him a medical anomaly, but after 50 plus years of battling muscular dystrophy, he succumbed to his illness. Joe was born in Hazelwood, PA, to Joseph and Edith Fratangelo. As the youngest of six children, he strived to keep up and became a consummate athlete. He was best known for his prowess in baseball but loved playing any sport with a ball. Even though he was scouted by the Pittsburgh Pirates, he seemed more proud of his home run at the 1960 little league championship in Williamsport. Always honing his skills, he’d even watch bowling and golf on TV so he could learn from the pros. His love of sports did not stop at ball sports, he was also an avid boxer, swimmer, hiker, weightlifter, surfer, and more. If it was physical, especially if it kept him outdoors, he was all for it. He even enjoyed visiting his family in the country, who put him to work baling hay.

After attending Gladstone High School in Hazelwood, he and a few friends headed west. He decided to lay down roots in Southern California. There he became an iron worker and welded on the rigs in the Pacific Ocean. It was also in California that he met his wife, Gerry. Together they raised three children, Joey, Julie, and Anthony. Coach, boy scout leader, baseball manager and more, Joe took on many roles to help his children flourish. He pushed music lessons (learning to play the guitar himself), academics, sports – he even threw football with his “favorite daughter” over the family swimming pool while telling her one day she could be a quarterback. A true feminist in his own right! Joe also encouraged his family to go to church. Being of a different religion, he stayed home and read his Bible, unless it was a special holiday or Holy day. He knew the importance of having a relationship with the Lord and wanted nothing less for his children.

After separating from his wife, Joe moved back home to Pittsburgh to be near family. He met his fiancée Claire Sullivan, mother of three, in 2004 and they spent the past twenty-two years together. Their love grew deep and he formed special relationships with her children and grandchildren. Joe was a powerhouse in more ways than one. Not only was he great in stature, strength, and charisma, but his caring, sense of adventure, creativity, and sense of humor were immeasurable. He often wrote stories for his youngest son, who was thrilled when Joe would act them out. Joe was extremely intelligent; we’ve even seen some of his inventions used around town. If you were his friend, you knew his loyalty had no boundaries. He’d always find a way to help those he loved, even if it meant he went without. He could make anyone laugh with his cheesy sense of humor and child-like playfulness.

Joe is survived by his sister Edith Crandall, brother Michael (Lori) Fratangelo, brother-in-law Tom (Annette) Hollis, children Craig and Brian Higgins, Joey (Sheri), Julie, and Anthony (Candice) Fratangelo, grandson James Fratangelo, fiancée Claire Sullivan and her children Julie, Jamie, Dan and grandson Danny, his great friend Chris Dee (who was like a brother to him), all his “favorite nieces” and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces. Way too many to name, but he loved each and every one of them dearly and was so proud of who they are and all they’ve accomplished. He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Edith Fratangelo, sisters DoraLee Fitzhenry, Johann Fratangelo, Annette Hollis, his brother Charles Fratangelo, and his wife Gerry Fratangelo.

Joe was more than just “a great athlete, a good surfer, okay guitar player, and bad joke teller.” He was our coach, our protector, our provider, our adventurer, our teacher, our prankster, our favorite uncle, our favorite cousin, and at times our hero and our inspiration. 

He couldn’t stand watching people cry or suffer, so he’s asked to forgo a viewing and funeral service. We will instead be hosting a celebration of his life at a future date.

All arrangements have been handled by the George Irvin Green Funeral Home, Inc. in Munhall. Please leave your memories and condolences at www.georgeigreenfuneralhome.com