Mr. Robert L. Fragnoli

November 24, 1932 - August 28, 2021

Robert L. Fragnoli, “Tex”, born November 24, 1932, passed away peacefully at home on August 28, 2021 surrounded by his loving family and Savior Time caregivers. He was the son of Emilio and Antoinette Fragnoli. A native of Cortland, Robert truly valued his roots and lifelong friendships. Robert grew up in the east end of the city in a big Italian family with cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents living next door. Robert graduated from Cortland High School in 1952 where he excelled as an exceptional athlete lettering in football, basketball and baseball. Robert co-captained his senior year football team and was nominated to the All American Football team in 1951. Upon graduation, he was recruited to play football at Ithaca College, however, chose to enlist in the US Navy with some of his closest friends (Danny Ciffonelli, Leo Mahar, Phil Cinquanti, Bill Garner, Al Dalola, Butch Calabro, and Jack Fox). After serving his country for four years, he was honorably discharged from the US Navy as an Aerographer Mate Petty Officer 3rd Class. In 1957, Robert married his High School sweetheart, Jeanne Abdallah. They were married for 63 years before Jeanne predeceased him in September 2020. Robert graduated SUNY Cortland with Bachelors and Masters degrees in Recreation and Education. Robert played College football for the Red Dragons alongside his future colleague, Jack Radzavicz. The Red Dragon’s team was highly talented on the gridiron and it was at this time, the famous Cortica Jug football trophy was created celebrating the winning team in this long standing rivalry between the two Colleges. Robert went on to continue his education earning an Administrative degree from Syracuse University. This served him well as he grew from elementary Science teacher in Dryden, Groton and Pomeroy schools to an Administrator at Cortland Jr-Sr. High school for many years in the Cortland Enlarge City School District. In his retirement years, Tex enjoyed his weekly “meetings” with his former High School teacher colleagues, joining in on lottery and Powerball tickets and of course, eating his favorite meal, breakfast. Robert also shared his love for football as the Groton Head Football coach from 1962-1969 alongside his friends: John Gibbons, Teddy Carloni, and Dick Court. Robert’s childhood nickname, “Tex,” exemplified his great passion and love for horses. He owned many over the years and often named his beloved horses after the people he bought them from-Big D, Doc, JD, Scheraga to name a few. He became an accomplished rider and equestrian even teaching himself, to play polo. He played alongside his mentor, BT Jones with the Cortland Apple knockers and later became an active member of the Central New York Polo club serving as President for many years. Robert was often thought of as the anchor which held the club together. Along with Danny Scheraga, Robert helped establish the Central New York polo tournament which to this day is held annually in August. Polo was Robert’s passion and he made lifelong friendships with Danny Scheraga, Peter Strumpf, Steve Kraus, Bob Stuerzebecher, Jan Suwinski, Julie Hanson and horse trainer Ron Bradford. Robert was one of a kind; a gentleman who was true to himself. He was a kind, generous, loving and devoted father, grandfather, mentor and supporter to his family and many friends. He always had a smile on his face and wherever he went in town, he knew someone. Robert’s eighty eight years of life included overcoming tough times, adversity and hard work as he became a self- made man. Robert enjoyed traveling to visit his beloved granddaughters in Vermont, whether it be for a birthday, holiday, soccer game or concert, the girls cherished a visit from Gigi and Popa. It was with great joy to have his oldest granddaughter, Hannah at Ithaca College as it was a wonderful excuse to venture out and see her. Robert and Jeanne also enjoyed several vacations with his daughters traveling cross country and visiting Caribbean islands. When “the kids were out of the house,” Robert enjoyed vacationing with his beloved Sister Mary and Brother-in-law Johnny Stevens, Brother Henry and wife Mariann, visiting Maine, Arizona and New Mexico. Robert loved reconnecting with old Polo acquaintances in Wellington, Florida when vacationing with Jeanne midwinter. He leaves a legacy, we lovingly celebrate. Robert is survived by his daughters: Robbin Heenan (Dan), Karen Fragnoli-Munn (Tom), special granddaughters; Hannah and Norah Munn, a special sister Mary F. Stevens, special nieces: Christy Stevens, Susannah Olivierre (Vernell), Julie Simser (Christopher), Elana Henner (Dave), Lauren McGrann (John), Sally Dolly (Blair), Jo Lynn Abdallah and Nanci Jo Abdallah. Special nephews: James Stevens, C.V. Abdallah (Mindy), a special cousin, Patty Patriarco and several cousins. In addition to his parents, Robert was predeceased by his .wife Jeanne, brother Henry Fragnoli, sister-in-law Mariann Fragnoli and brother-in-law Johnny Stevens. A Mass of Christina Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 4th, 2021 at 11 AM in St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church. Private graveside services will follow. There are no calling hours. Robert’s family would like to thank his family, friends, caregivers of Savior Time Homecare and Hospice for the excellent care given to Robert in his home. In leu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care Services, 11 Kennedy Parkway, Cortland NY. Arrangements are under the direction of Riccardi Funeral Home, Cortland, N.Y. www.riccardifuneralhome.com