Virgil ‘Vee’ Margaret Valerie Fragello – Donora
Virgil “Vee” Margaret Valerie Fragello, 94, of Donora, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 30, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Donora, on June 21, 1928, daughter of the late Caesar Valeri and the late Leanora Fresa Valeri. In addition to her parents, Virgil was preceded in death by her husband, Samuel Sr.; son, Francis; and grandson, Christopher. She was the oldest of five siblings with two brothers, Vincent (Sis) Valeri of Murraysville, Pa., and Carl (Teri) Valeri of McMurray, Pa.; and two sisters, the late Colina (Ray) Lockard and the late Margaret (Jimmy) Kerr. She is survived by six children, Margaret Lee (Anthony “Rip”) Ripepi, Michael (Debbie) Fragello, Mary Lou (Jack) Samaras, Bob (Marty) Fragello, Anthony (Monica) Fragello, and Sam Jr. (Roxane) Fragello; and she was beloved “Grammy” to 23 grandchildren and 47 great-grandchildren. Vee was a vibrant and lively woman who loved to sing and dance. She was always the life of the party, and her infectious energy and joyful spirit impacted everyone around her. At any given gathering, she would randomly shout out, “Isn’t this a nice party?” and everyone in attendance would stop mid-sentence and answer back, “Yes, it is a nice party!” As the matriarch, she had a special way of bringing her family together and building unbreakable bonds through love and laughter. She had a unique talent for organizing games and creating traditions that made every holiday a celebration of life, God and family. For many years, she worked alongside her family making her signature pizza recipe every Sunday night at St. Mary’s bingo hall, where people lined up to enjoy her one-of-a-kind secret recipe. She was selfless in the way she lived, loved and gave to others. Arrangements have been entrusted to ANTHONY L. MASSAFRA FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICE INC., 40 Second St. Ext., Donora, PA 15033, 724-379-6900, where the family will receive friends from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 3, 2023. Prayers will be recited in the funeral home at 11:20 a.m. Thursday May 4, 2023, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, Donora campus, at noon. Interment will follow in Mon Valley Memorial Park, Donora. To share a condolence please visit www.massafrafuneralhome.com.
