Dorothy Ann (Tarasco) Fratino

Dorothy Ann Fratino (nee Tarasco), age 92, passed away on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. She was born on January 19, 1933, in Euclid, Ohio to the late Adeline (nee Garzia) and Andrew Tarasco, who immigrated to America from Oratino, in the Province of Campobasso, Italy.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Antonio “Tony” Fratino; her son, Thomas Fratino (Kathy); and brother, Michael Tarasco (Shirley).

She was a loving mother to Linda Moffa (Gerry), Karen Vance (Walter), and Joseph Fratino (Heather); a cherished grandmother to Stephanie Day (Sean), Michael Glasney, Nicholas Moffa, Tommy Fratino, Anthony Fratino, William Vance (Maura), Jacqueline VanDevere (Joe), Joey Fratino, and Dominic Fratino; and a proud great-grandmother to Madeline, Natalie, Cadence, and Charlotte.

Dorothy lived a life rich in love, laughter, and devotion—to her family, her faith, and her true love, Tony, with whom she shared 66 beautiful years. Together they raised their family, traveled, and built a life rooted in Italian traditions, joy, and togetherness. After Tony’s passing in 2020, Dorothy carried on with strength and grace.

She cared tenderly for her children and grandchildren, making each one feel like the center of her universe. Her warmth, quick wit, nurturing guidance, and reassuring hugs were gifts she gave freely and will be missed beyond words.

Faith was her foundation. She attended Sunday Mass and ended each day in prayer. Her devout faith and gratitude shaped how she loved, served, and cared for others.

Dorothy was also fun, sassy, and endlessly engaging—always ready with a story, a laugh, or a perfectly timed remark. She loved singing along to old music, treasured her beautiful mementos from Italy, and adored the color blue. She held fast to her traditions, never missing Days of Our Lives for over 60 years and The Lawrence Welk Show every Saturday.

Honoring her Italian heritage, Dorothy was a wonderful cook who made holidays special, insisting everyone take seconds—and thirds. She loved delicious meals and secretly sharing bites with the family dog, Penny—denying it with a smile when caught.

Dorothy delighted in the simple joys of life: walking up and down her ramp to stay active, working on 1,000-piece puzzles, keeping up with celebrity gossip, and spending hours talking with her grandchildren. Above all, she loved deeply and was deeply loved. Her laughter, stories, devotion, and vibrant spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 8th from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. at THE SPEAR-MULQUEENY FUNERAL HOME, 667 MENTOR AVE., PAINESVILLE. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 9th at St. Gabriel Catholic Church 9925 Johnnycake Ridge Rd., Concord Twp. (PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH). Dorothy will be laid to rest at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon Twp.

To leave condolences for the family, please visit www.spear-mulqueeny.com.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Dorothy Ann (Tarasco) Fratino, please visit our Tree Store.