Don Fragale

Born in Clarksburg, West Virginia, to Flora and Dominick Fragale, Don embraced life's adventures from a young age. As he grew, so did his passion for sailing and professional golf, becoming a true captain of both land and sea.

Captain Don was preceded in death by his parents, Flora and Dominick Fragale, and his brother Leo Marchesani. Despite the sorrow of his passing, the family takes solace in the knowledge that Don has been reunited with his loved ones who have gone before him.

Don's love for sailing was only rivaled by his passion for professional golf, where he navigated both fairways and water hazards with equal skill and enthusiasm. His life was a testament to the joy found in pursuing one's passions with unwavering determination.

Don's first mate and the love of his life, Vicki Fragale, was by his side for 18 adventurous years. Together, they weathered the storms and enjoyed the smooth seas, creating a partnership that was as strong as the bonds that held his sails aloft.

Don is survived by his wife, Vicki, and her children Brandon Copeland and his wife Cheryl of Bryant, Arkansas, and Casey Copeland and his wife Megan of Alexander, Arkansas, whom he loved as if they were his own.. His legacy continues through the laughter and joy of his grandchildren: Ryan Copeland, Sam Copeland, Adilynn Copeland, Alexis Tazelaar and her husband Dyllan, and Ryann Russell.

In addition to his extended seafaring family, Don is survived by his daughters, Carla Matiouchin of Pelham, Alabama, and Vicki Yax of Clinton Township, Michigan. Their memories of Don are not just the tales of a sailor and golfer but of a loving father who instilled in them the value of adventure, perseverance, and a good sense of humor.

In the final chapter of Don’s earthly journey, the Elite Home Health Hospice Team, especially Jessica, Donna, Stacy, and Chaplain John Smith, extended their compassionate hands to assist Vicki in caring for him.

A private memorial service will be scheduled at a later date to celebrate Captain Don Fragale's life among close family and friends. As we bid fair winds and following seas to him, let us celebrate the legacy of a man who navigated the waters of existence with a twinkle in his eye and the wind at his back. May his sails be forever full in the great beyond, and may his spirit continue to inspire us to set our course by the stars and sail towards our dreams.