Thomas Charles Frate

Thomas Charles Frate was born on October 17, 1946 to the late Carl Frate and Genevive Frate (Kacperski) in Cleveland, Ohio.  Tom passed from time to eternity on June 11, 2020, peacefully at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland. 

Tom's education began in the Ohio public school system and he graduated from West Geauga High School in Chesterland, Ohio in 1964.  Tom was known as a top athlete and played football for West Geauga. His interests in high school included drama club where he had several lead roles in the high school musicals. Tom was nominated Prom King and continued as the Master of Ceremonies the West Geauga High School Reunions.  Tom enlisted in the United States Marine Corp (USMC) in 1964 as a rifleman.  He went on to earn the rank of Sergeant with a character of service as Honorable.  In the USMC he was First Battalion 3rd Marines. He was awarded several accommodations to include a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Citation and a Purple Heart.  Tom finished his tour in 1968 and returned to Cleveland Ohio.  Tom remained friends and in contact with his service buddies until his final days.  

In May of 1970, Tom married Mary Jean Bradac (Lampe). Together they shared a home for 28 years and had four children; Brian, Susan, Angela and Anthony.  Tom was very involved in his children's activities and was a volunteer bantam football coach for his sons.  His love for sports continued as he supported his sons throughout their academic and athletic endeavors. He eventually became the President of the Red Line Club at Mentor High School.  He supported his daughters throughout their interests in sports, choir, cosmetology and modeling. While watching his children grow, he shared with them his love of hunting, fishing, camping, music, cooking, comedy movies, and was quite the practical joker.  He also was a talented craftsman. He designed and built his own addition to the family home. 

In 1968, Tom began working with Ohio Bell as a lineman and was promoted several times ending his career as a Regional Manager.  He retired from Ameritech (AT&T) in 1999 after 31 years of service.  While working for Ameritech he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 1996 from Capital University.

In February 2000, Tom married Susan Frate (Cohen), his high school sweetheart. Their bond of friendship and love has spanned a total of fifty-six years.  They moved to California in 2001 and finally settled in Rockville, Maryland in 2003. Tom and Susan remained happily married for 20 years.  In 2016, Tom courageously entered Alcoholics Anonymous. He committed to the Twelve Steps and became an active member. He proudly supported others in the group displaying leadership, commitment, devotion and remained involved through his final days.  

Tom's lifelong commitment to his children and grandchildren was evident as he stayed involved and loved being a grandfather.  Tom leaves to honor his legacy, his wife Susan Frate (Cohen), sister Carol Williams (Frate) his daughters Susan Frate, Angela Muzic (Frate) and her husband Matthew Muzic, son Anthony Frate, grandchildren: Eve Muzic, Sophia Frate, Paige Frate, Charlotte Muzic, Walter Muzic and Lewis Muzic. He was preceded in death by his eldest son Brian Frate surviving wife Kristina Frate (Kaufmann) and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.  

Tom's love of friends, family, good times and laughter will be missed by all and the contributions he made to those he loved will be close to our hearts forever.  Tom will be deeply missed, honored, cherished and never forgotten. 

In lieu of flowers we would like donations to be made to: Rockville Metro Club, 12319 Washington Ave., Rockville MD, 20852

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