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Robert "Bob" John Fraile
Born: 9/21/1944
Died: 6/17/2024
Age: 79
Community: Grand Blanc, MI
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FRAILE, ROBERT JOHN
(September 21,1944 – June 17, 2024)
Age 79, passed away Monday, June 17th, 2024 at his residence surrounded by loved ones. Visitation will take place at Swartz Funeral Home on Friday, June 21st from 3pm to 8pm. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, July 13th (time TBD) at Grand Blanc United Methodist Church.
Mr. Robert John Fraile was born in Detroit, MI on September 21, 1944, the son of A.J. (Terry) and Martha (Gage) Fraile. Bob demonstrated a love for reading, sports and music from an early age. He met his lifelong friend and future best man, John Schuiteman, in second grade. He started singing as a young boy in the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church choir and continued developing his powerful tenor voice at Albion College under the tutelage of “Mr. Dave” Strickler. Continuing his musical pursuits at the historic Croswell Opera House in Adrian, MI, Bob participated in numerous productions. He loved to share his beautiful voice and talent with everyone, often breaking out in song, delighting anyone close enough to hear. As a member of the GBUMC choir, the Flint Festival Chorus, Flint Community Players, among others over the years, he enjoyed the camaraderie of performing with others. A highlight of Bob’s career was a solo in “The Boar’s Head Carol” in the 2016 Holiday Pops concert, although his annual rendition of “O Holy Night” at the Christmas Eve Service holds a special place in the hearts of his daughters (and we suspect countless others). His gift for storytelling, aided by the memory of an elephant, captivated his audience with his boisterous voice and exaggerated facial expressions. He was always good for a pun or a joke, and had an arsenal for all ages at his disposal.
Bob graduated with Honors from Lansing Eastern High School, class of 1962, and was a proud member of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity at Albion College, from which he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in political science in 1966. Bob went on to earn his Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School in 1969 before joining the private law firm of Hammond, Baker and Kralick in Adrian, MI, where he later became a partner. A valued member of the community for nearly 20 years, Bob developed meaningful friendships as an Adrian Jaycee and Rotarian, Adrian Alligator swim parent and Croswell collaborator. In 1988, he went to work for UAW GM Legal Services in Flint, MI until he retired in 2014. He was an active member of Grand Blanc Rotary, earning the prestigious Paul Harris Award in 2022 for his service to the community.
Bob first laid eyes on Ann Lehman on June 17th 1964 at the Silver Bay Association in NY and was immediately smitten. The two fell in love and were married in 1966 at David’s Church in Kettering, Ohio. Bob’s pure love and adoration for Ann were evident and only grew throughout their almost 58 years of marriage. In addition to being a devoted husband, Bob was a doting dad (daddy). He had a different and special relationship with each of his daughters, but his unconditional love and unwavering support for them was the common thread and yet another testament to his strong character. He never missed an important event or a swim meet, always there cheering his girls on. Many may remember Bob singing the national anthem and announcing at GBHS swim meets where his booming voice rang out. One of his most treasured titles was Opa, as he had a love beyond this world for his granddaughter and great grandchildren. The overwhelming joy he got from spending time with them and watching them grow was clear as his face lit up even at the simple mention of their names.
Bob’s love for the maize and blue and Michigan Football was unrivaled. After holding season tickets since 1979, he handed the tickets off to his daughter a few years ago. Bob’s favorite place on earth and second home was Maui, where he and Ann have owned a timeshare for twenty years. Birch Lake in northern Michigan, home of dear friends Garry and Marcia Sumerix, held a special place in his heart. Bob loved good food, especially seafood, grilled cheeseburgers and pineapple FroYo, and was always happy to share a meal and tell stories with friends and family, and even strangers.
It’s quite difficult to find the words to paint this picture of a life so well lived. Bob touched the lives of so many people, both blood-related and chosen family. The legacy of his love, care and kindness will live on forever, reaching far and wide, rippling through generations to come, with an example of how to just … love. What this world has lost, Heaven has gained.
Bob leaves to cherish his memory: love of his life wife Ann: devoted daughters, Amanda (Al) Essix, Molly Fraile, Marcia (Cory Sears) Fraile; granddaughter Raven Pinson, step grandchildren Alex Essix, Chris Essix, Cole Sears; great grandchildren Kai and Nayeli; great Godsons T.J. and Jaimyn and their mother Shonda; nieces Jenny Lehman and Brenda Gorenc; great-nephew Eli Gorenc; bonus daughter, Lauren Flynn "Wooge", cousin Marlyss Burch; lifelong best friends John Schuiteman and Garry Sumerix; and beloved grandpuppies.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his brother in infancy; his brother-in-law, Dwight Lehman and sister-in-law Rebecca Lehman.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dave Strickler Scholarship Fund at Albion College, the Croswell Opera House in Adrian, MI, or a charitable organization of your choice.
Your condolences may be shared with the family at swartzfuneralhomeinc.com
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| Visitation |
| Date: |
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6/21/2024 |
| Time: |
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3:00 PM |
| A memorial visitation will be held 3-8pm Friday, June 21, 2024 at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Flint, MI. |
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| Funeral Service |
| Date: |
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7/13/2024 |
| Time: |
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| Location: |
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Swartz Funeral Home & Cremation Center
1225 West Hill Road
Flint, MI 48507Get a Map to this location...
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