George V. Fragnito

George Vincent Fragnito, of Broomall, formerly of Southwest Philadelphia, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2025, surrounded by his family.  He was the devoted husband of Loretta (nee Tullie) Fragnito, loving father of Maria (Gregg) Maddalo, and Christina (Frank) Dattilo, and cherished Nonno to Nicolo Luciano and Dante Michael.  He was also the brother of Filomena (Benny) Rizzo.  He is preceded in death by his brother, Anthony Fragnito, and his parents, Lucia and Mario.  George was the loving uncle to many nieces and nephews and a loyal friend to all.

George was born on October 20, 1940, in San Giorgio la Molara, province of Benevento, Italy. He immigrated to the United States in 1955 at the age of 14 with his father, Mario.  He left his mother, brother, and sister in Italy while he worked as a stone mason with his father to provide the means for the rest of the family to come to the United States several years later.

George served in the United States Army from 1962 to 1968.  While in the Army, he attended radio repair school in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and was stationed in Germany.  George often shared stories of his military service, remembering how he got himself out of some sticky situations and always with humor.  He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1968.

Faith was always a huge part of George’s life.  He attended daily mass at Our Lady of Loreto Catholic Church in Philadelphia, after working the night shift at General Electric.  Later on, he worked at Mattera’s bakery shop across from the church.  It was then that he first saw his love, Loretta, and remarked to himself that he was going to marry her someday.  He would tip his hat to her as they crossed paths to and from church, until one day, after saying the Hail Mary three times, he mustered the courage to talk to her.  They began their courtship and were married on April 16, 1977.

George worked for the City of Philadelphia for several decades before retiring and spending his days with his family and friends.  He loved tending to his garden in the backyard, watching the birds, sharing his figs, and teaching his grandsons to play bocce.  He was a member of the Saint Anthony DiPadova Society, an auxiliary member of the Legion of Mary, and led prayers after daily mass with the weekday church group at St. Pius X Church in Broomall.

The stories about growing up in Italy, the jokes he shared, and the countless jingles and “George-isms” were a large part of everyday life.  Above all else, his love for his family was evident to everyone who knew him.  He will live on in the legacy he left through his family.

Relatives & friends are invited to his viewing on Wednesday, November 19th, starting at 9:00 am.  Mass will be celebrated at 10:30am at St. Pius X Church, 220 Lawrence Road, Broomall, PA.  Interment will be at SS Peter & Paul Cemetery in Springfield, PA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in George’s name can be made to:  Padre Pio Foundation of America https://padrepio.com/giving/in-memory-of/, St. Pius X Church https://saintpius.net/, and the St. Anthony Society of Southwest Philadelphia https://stanthonysswphila.com.

Condolences can be made at www.danjolell.com

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