Here & There Column 2-5-13

Success Story Has A Sad Ending

   On January 4 we published a feature story about former Liberty residents Joe and Ida Fracasse and the success story they have had the past 30 years with the publication of their premier publication The Glendoran magazine. We knew at the time we were writing this feature that Joe had gone through a hernia operation and that on July 17 he had undergone surgery for colon cancer. He fought a strong battle but succumbed to cancer on January 7. A very adventurous gentleman Joe was well liked by everyone and possessed a great sense of humor. He was born on May 16 at home in Liberty, NY the son of Joseph Ralph Fracasse and Ethel May Morris Fracasse. At age nine Joe’s mother died suddenly from a burst appendix. His dad was a bartender and worked nights and Grandma Morris, his maternal grandmother, helped raise Joe and his younger brother Edgar (Eddie). As a teenager he owned and operated Storm Master Kennels. At Liberty High School Joe was in the school band  and as a youngster always worked hard. Besides starting the dog kennels, he sold Cloverine salve and delivered newspapers ..... even helped set up type at a local newspaper and print shop. He then worked in the local A & P. Joe and Ida met in Ida's senior year and began dating in March of 1954. They were married on September 26, 1954. This year would have been their 58th wedding anniversary.The Fracasses moved to Rowland Heights, California in 1965 and to Glendora, CA in January 1966. Joe had transferred from the Metropolitan Insurance Company. Following his stint with Metropolitan, his wife, Ida and he, began Fracasse Insurance, and then in 1982 they decided to start the Glendoran magazine something they enjoyed and loved meeting new people. Joe will always be remembered for his genuine smile,  a tip of his hat and for being a good guy. He played a very significant part in the development of the EYE-DAS organization for the blind (now with a foundation with a Boosters club and three chapters.) He also was a key figure in the growth of Glendora Crime Stoppers and also was on the Band Shell committee to build such a venue in their community park. He was also chairman of the Holiday Baskets. Joe’s nickname was Trader Joe as he was devoted to Saturday morning garage sales and to the Sunday Swap meets. Photography was another of his passions and he was excellent in this work. At a Celebration of His Life some 250 people came to show their respect for this outstanding gentleman. 

                                                  
                                                           

PHOTO IS OF

Joseph Ralph Fracasse Jr.