John C. Fratangelo, 79, of Scottsboro, AL, passed away on March 25, 2026.
John was born on March 8, 1947, in Pittsburgh, PA, to Paul and Carmen (Canevazzi) Fratangelo. He graduated from Baldwin-Whitehall High School in 1965. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Utah State University in 1973 and a Master of Science in Systems Management from the University of Southern California in 1980.
John built a distinguished career in science and technology. He worked as a manager in the Instrumentation Group at PRC Kentron. He later served as a staff scientist with MIT Lincoln Laboratory, where he contributed his expertise in instrumentation and mission planning to activities associated with the Kwajalein Missile Range. While living in Kwajalein, John embraced island life and enjoyed golfing, playing softball, fishing, and scuba diving. He later worked for COLSA Corporation in various scientific and leadership roles. He led the Independent Technical Risk Team for Ground Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) and other National Missile Defense (NMD) tests. John received recognition for his contributions to missile testing, as well as for U.S. Air Force reviews, and was honored by COLSA for his work as a Program Manager. He retired from COLSA in 2015. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1966 to 1969 and later as a commissioned officer in the United States Navy Reserve from 1977 to 1983.
John is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Marilyn Fratangelo; his daughter, Gina Fratangelo of Brunswick, GA; and his son, Robert (Ranee) Fratangelo of Huntsville, AL. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Jayde, Zane, Kemp, and Nell Little, and Isabella, Cole, and Gus Fratangelo. He is survived by his siblings: Bob (Pat) Fratangelo, Mary Eileen Fratangelo, Paul Jr. (the late Kim) Fratangelo, Maggie (the late Gino) Esposito, Joe (Patty) Fratangelo, Chuck (Suellyn) Fratangelo, Bill (Eileen) Fratangelo, his sister-in-law Mary (the late Rick) Fratangelo, and Cathy (the late Mark) Grimm.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Paul C. Fratangelo and Carmen
Fratangelo; his stepmother, Mary Patricia (Gallagher) Fratangelo; his brother, Rick
Fratangelo; and his stepdaughter, Sonya Larson.
John will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, especially by his dear friend Lynn.
