Reynold Peter Fracassi of Howell, MI passed away on Thursday, October 21st, 2021 after reaching the age of 88 years old.

Reynold (Rey) was born July 7th, 1933 in Hamtramck, MI to Ray and Sonia Fracassi. He had two brothers, Jerry, and Donald Fracassi. As a young man Rey was drafted into the Army and served in the Korean War. He later moved to Ovid to work his peat moss farm, where he met the love of his life, Karen, visiting the diner her family owned. Captivated by his charm, she fed him without ever charging him.

One memorable date Rey and Karen were driving in his convertible as it began to rain. The top of the convertible had a hole in it, so Karen had to hold her finger there the entire ride to keep the rain out.

Rey and Karen were married for 61 beautiful, inspiring years. They moved to Livonia in 1962, where they lived for 39 years and raised their five children. They moved to Howell in 2000. Rey adored his wife and often referred to her as a "saint". He loved to tease her and take credit for her baking whenever he could.

Rey sold insurance since 1964, most of that time alongside his son, Dean Fracassi. He coached both baseball and football, having the opportunity to coach each of his sons in a sport at some point. As a grandfather, he hardly ever missed a game. He sat on the sidelines, cheering, and offering his opinion so loud the entire town could hear it.

Rey was blessed with 15 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, all of whom he deeply adored.

He never talked about material things; he talked about people. His pride did not come from belongings, but rather from helping the people he loved the most and seeing them flourish. He spent his entire life investing in people—as a salesman, coach, father, and grandfather. His fierce loyalty left a mark on everyone he met.

His family regarded him as a superhero. He was strong beyond compare, facing the toughest of battles and always bouncing back with the same grit and fire. He lived for his family and will be dearly missed by all of them.

Rey is survived by his wife Karen Fracassi, children Chante, Ren, Dean, Eric and Todd Fracassi, brother Donald Fracassi, and cousin and best friend Bobby Fracassi.

A visitation for Rey will be on Tuesday October 26, 2021 from 2:00pm to 7:00pm with a rosary at 6:00pm at the O'Brien/Sullivan Funeral Home located at 41555 Grand River Ave. Novi, MI 48375.

A funeral service will take place on Wednesday October 27, 2021 at 10:00am at the O'Brien/Sullivan Funeral Home.

Rey will be laid to rest at Holy Sepulchre cemetery in Southfield, Michigan.
Memorial contributions may be directed to St Jude Children's Research Hospital click here to contribute