Richard “Rick” Fraatz (age 70) passed away peacefully on March 23, 2026, surrounded by family.
Rick was born to the late Paul and Teresa (Hesch) Fraatz and raised in Springfield, PA. He later moved to Delaware and married the love of his life, Janet.
Rick graduated from Cardinal O’Hara high school in 1974, and began working for Pacor, Inc. Over the next 23 years, he worked his way through the company as a contract estimator, IT manager, and GM of the distribution division. After Pacor, Rick worked at Delaware Valley Box & Lumber Co., & Siemens Medical Solutions. The last three years at Siemens he was manager of the New England and New York Metropolitan region. During his career with Siemens, Rick also attended Wilmington University in the evening, and graduated in 2009 with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer & Network Security with a minor in Business Administration.
Rick is survived by his wife of 42 years, Janet (Staub) Fraatz; his daughter, Brenda Rabeno; his son, Michael (Gina); his grandchildren, Emma Rabeno, Jack Rabeno, Dylan Fraatz, and Sora Fraatz; his brothers, Paul Fraatz (Ronnie), James Fraatz (Peg), Ronald Fraatz (Carol), Donald Fraatz (Mary); his sister Teri Privett; brothers in-law Paul Condit and James Staub (Carol); several nieces and nephews, and many friends along with his coonhound, Sadie. In addition to his parents, Rick is predeceased by his sister Carol Condit, brother in-law David Privett, and three beloved golden retrievers.
Rick enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, and the yearly trips to the shore and to the Poconos. He was a passionate New York Jets fan and was cautiously optimistic every September for the start of their football season. He always looked forward to a good time with friends and connecting with people through his sense of humor.
This is not goodbye, this is see you later.
The family would like to thank the nurses and respiratory therapists in the Heart and Vascular ICU at Penn Presbyterian for their thoughtful and compassionate care over the last three months.
Visitation will be held at McCrery & Harra Funeral Home, 3924 Concord Pike on Saturday, April 4th from 10 AM - 12:30 PM followed by a memorial service beginning at 12:30 pm. Burial will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Faithful Friends Animal Shelter, in honor of Rick’s life and spirit. Faithful Friends Animal Society – For A Kinder Community ;165 Airport Road, New Castle, DE 19720
For online condolences visit: www.mccreryandharra.com
