Albert T. Fragola: Dec. 31, 1942 – Dec. 30, 2016

USA LTC (RET) Flight classes 67-15

Call sign: Black Cat One

Former resident of Oak Harbor Albert T. Fragola passed away Dec. 30. He was living in Paros, Greece. He was born Dec. 31, 1942, in Pelham, N.Y., to Albert and Dora Fragola.

He attended Rutgers-the State University, N.J.; Manhattan College, N.Y., Hunter College, N.Y.; Texas Christian University, Texas-MLA; and Cambridge University with a degree in orthodox Christian history.

Al served 34 years in the Armed Forces: six years in the Marine Corp, three years active and three years reserve.

He served 28 years in the Army. Al proudly served two tours of duty in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot. He was the recipient of The Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service, Air Medal and other awards.

Al attended Command and General Staff College in 1983 — graduating with honors — and the U.S. Naval War College in 1995. He retired August 31, 1995, from the 124th Arcom, Fort Lawton, Wash.

Al was an avid boater, cruising the waters of the Great Lakes and the Pacific Northwest. He served as commodore of the Oak Harbor Yacht Club in 2000.

He formed the Vespa Club del Mediterraneo while living in Greece, hosting several Scooter Rallies in Greece, Italy, Spain and France. Participants came from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany and Australia.

Al was very active in the Eastern Orthodox Church. He loved God, his family and living in the Greek Islands.

Al is survived by his beloved wife Ardy, his daughters Kirsten Poteet (Bill ) and Deidre Fragola, step-son Michael Waldon, sister Geraldine O’Hara (John), four grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Al is buried on his beloved Greek Island of Paros.

If desired, donations/contributions in Al’s honor may be made to the Aplastic Anemia MDS International Foundation. Contributions will be designated to support essential MDS research. Your gift may be made securely online at www.aamds.org/donatenow or by mail to AAMDSIF, 4330 East West Highway, Suite 230, Bethesda, MD 20814.