Louis F. Frato

Lou was born October 6, 1949 at the French Hospital in Manhattan, NY, moving first to Byram and later to Sussex Borough. Lou attended elementary schools in Wantage and Sussex before graduating from the newly constructed High Point High School in 1968.

Lou’s love of sports shined in high school excelling in soccer, basketball and, his true love, baseball, receiving many awards, accolades and recognition during that time. In 1968, Lou received an invitation to try out for the St. Louis Cardinals Baseball Team. In the years following high school, Lou continued playing baseball for the Sussex County American Legion Post 213 and Sussex Cardinals Men’s Baseball Team. In 1973, Lou organized the Sandyston Men’s Softball League and played for 25 years with his team “Lou’s Glass” and later enjoyed watching his son continue with teams and play under the same name.

On June 5, 1971, Lou married Patricia Jean Haggerty in the Walpack Church, Walpack Center, and settled in Sandyston where they built their home, raised their family and reside today. Lou began his career in the glass business following graduation. In March of 1978, Lou and Patte opened up their own business “Lou’s Glass Repair”, first a storefront on Route 206 in Frankford, the site of the former Champion Hardware, before moving their business to the corner of Mill Street and Morris Avenue in Branchville where they have proudly remained in business for over 42 years. Continuing the tradition, their son Louis Patrick joined his parents after graduation eventually adding truck accessory sales and installation to the business. Lou also enjoyed the many years coaching Little League Baseball at Sandyston-Walpack Consolidated School. Lou absolutely loved watching his son and grandsons play sports and was at every single game cheering them on along the fence or in the stands…… offering a hug and advice after every game.

In June 2013, Lou was inducted into the High Point Hall of Fame and on November 7, 2014, inducted into the Sussex County Sports Hall of Fame as a Veteran Member, two special awards that he was so proud to receive.

Lou is known throughout Sussex County and beyond for his big smile, contagious laugh, mischievous nature and outgoing friendly personality, always having fun, joking and making everyone laugh. He was kind, generous and a friend to many, always making time to talk. More importantly, Lou was a good, honest businessman with a strong work ethic who worked hard for his family and gave back to his community in many ways. Lou's whole life was centered around his family and his dogs "Sarah" and "Holly". Lou was an avid fan of all sports, especially the New York Yankees, enjoyed listening to "Doo-Wop" music in his barn,

working in his yard and being on his tractor. Lou loved Hainesville, and his neighbors were family. Lou was predeceased by his parents, Lester and Antoinette ( Forti ) Frato ;and inlaws Joseph Lane and Marian( Skellenger) Haggerty. In addition to his wife, Patte, he is survived by his daughter Amanda " Amy " Lobban and husband, David and son Louis Patrick and girlfriend Stephanie Stoll of Sandyston; his grandsons Patrick Alexander and wife, Lanae ( Tallamy ) of Wantage and Parker Louis and girlfriend Sarah Dudes of Sandyston and great-granddaughter, Kinsley Lane of Wantage; brother-in-law Joseph Lane Haggerty,Jr. of Sandyston;sister-in-law Linda Gombert, of Hawley; as well as a brother, sister-in-law, uncles,aunts,nephews,nieces and cousins.

We know without a doubt that Lou is throwing around a softball while smiling, laughing and joking....keeping watch over his family. We will miss you forever.

Per Lou's wishes, there will be no visitation and funeral services will be private. In honor of Lou's generosity to local organizations, friends and his community, the family asked for donations to be made in his memory to the Sandyston Township Volunteer Fire Department 133 A Route 645 Sandyston, NJ 07826 or the Sandyston Historical Society, 133 Route 645 Sandyston, NJ 07826 Services are under the direction of the Wood Funeral Home 16 Main St Branchville, NJ 07860 Online condolences may be made to wwwwoodfuneralhome.com