Mark E. Frighetto

Mark E. Frighetto, 69, was born September 8, 1954, in Chicago, IL to Gary Frighetto and Patricia nee Frueh. He died Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at Northwest Community Hospital, in Arlington Heights, Illinois.

Mark attended St. Alphonsus elementary school and Albert G. Lane Technical High School where he graduated in 1972. From there, Mark attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and played baseball on the University's team until 1976. Mark's involvement with softball began soon after, and in the following decades, Mark's involvement in Chicago 16" softball transformed into a passion and lifestyle. If there was a field and a ball, there was Mark. 12" or 16", glove or no glove did not matter...he loved the game and all of its powers. Mark was the Forest Park Tournament MVP in 1987, earned ASA Second Team honors twice and was named First Team All-American three times. He played on teams that took second place at the ASA Nationals eleven times and won five ASA titles. Mark was inducted into the Chicago 16" Softball Hall of Fame in 2006 and is known as the premier short center of his era.

Over the years, Mark's involvement on the field transitioned to the game's administration and Mark was instrumental in continued growth and development of the 16" league and its spread beyond the Chicagoland area. Mark served on the Chicago Softball Hall of Fame Board of Directors, and frequently volunteered at the Hall of Fame Museum in Forest Park, IL, the Annual Inductee Day and founders' game, and the annual inductee banquet event. Mark was invited by his alma mater, Lane Tech, to speak to students about the history of softball and its importance to the history of Chicago, and how involvement in intramurals adds to success in education.

Mark also served on the board of the Arlington Heights Park Foundation. His volunteerism and contributions were endless and involved raising funds, encouraging volunteers, and promoting the Arlington Heights parks and recreation offerings.

Mark's banking career grew from Chicago based financial institutions, and he spent most of his career as a commercial lender. In recent years, Mark was Vice President Commercial Banking at Glenview State Bank, and Vice President Business Banking at First American Bank.

Mark met his wife, Nancie, in June 1999 at a summer golf outing and they quickly became a couple. Mark and Nancie were married in November 2002 at St. James Catholic Church and their Café Brauer reception in Chicago was an event to remember. Their son, Reid, was born the following year 2003, and their daughter, Reese, was born in 2005. Mark's son, Reid, was his pride and daughter, Reese, was his joy.

Mark was known as outgoing and once you met Mark, Mark did not forget you. Mark always retained names, relationships, or connections. His ability to recall details and dates was remarkable. Mark was energized when socializing with friends and his soul replenished when with family. Nancie and the family would always joke that Mark knew someone wherever they visited, and many times that is exactly what happened. "Ghetto!" would be shouted within the crowd and yes, Mark knew them. Mark was kind. Mark had the ability to make friendships and give his time, ideas, and compassion regardless of his own feelings or his own needs. He was selfless in so many ways and his kindness was given generously.

Mark was dedicated to his sports, his career and clients, his friends, and his family. Mark was exceptionally dedicated to his wife and two children. As part of Mark's legacy, his children will grow and continue their lives with gratitude knowing that their father held them as his top priority and his everything.

Mark is survived by his wife of 21 years, Nancie (nee Lippert) Frighetto; his son Reid Frighetto, his daughter, Reese Frighetto and his siblings, Lori Frighetto, John (Wendy) Frighetto, Christopher (Kristin) Miller, Michael (Jennifer) Frighetto, Freddie (Aileen) Miller.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at the Glueckert Funeral Home, Ltd., 1520 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60004 and on Thursday, May 30, 2024, from 9:00 am until time of Funeral Mass at 10:00 am at St. James Catholic Church, 831 North Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, Illinois Interment following at All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Chicago 16" Softball Hall of Fame https://16inchsoftballhof.com.

Funeral Information and condolences can be given at www.GlueckertFuneralHome.com or (847) 253-0168.