It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband and father, John F. Frates, Jr. who passed away peacefully at home on July 21, 2025, in Englewood, Florida. Born in Camden, New Jersey in 1948, John attended Saint Cecila School and Camden Catholic High School. While attending La Salle University in Philadelphia, PA, John met the love of his life, Eileen Ryan, and they married in 1970. John worked for the New Jersey Bell Telephone company, and then moved with his family to Fairfax, Virginia to work for Bell Atlantic. In retirement John moved to Englewood, Florida.

John was a proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran. He was passionate about a lot of things in life, a good joke, hosting family and friends for a delicious meal, and sitting on the beach. But more than anything, John loved his family. He was devoted to his wife of 55 years, Eileen, his true love and best friend. His daughters were his pride, and he instilled in them a love of learning and hard work. To his grandchildren who were the twinkle of his eye, he was lovingly known as Poppop, always ready with a silly joke and a good story. 

John lived with a generous heart and spoke with intention, never missing a chance to say what he felt. He leaves a legacy of love and humor that his family and friends will forever carry in their hearts. He is survived by his wife, Eileen, his daughters and sons-in-law Gretchen and Michael Martin, Megan and Greg Counts, and four cherished grandchildren: Chloe, Henry, Daniel, and Charlotte. Also surviving are his sister, Marcella Sheppard, brother, Stephen Frates, dear nieces and nephews, and his treasured Yardley Street friends that are family. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org, or World Central Kitchen, www.wck.org.