Albert Victor Fratini

FRATINI, Albert Victor, age 86, of Dayton passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. He was the beloved son of immigrant parents from Sarnano, Italy, raised in Hamden Connecticut, and graduated from Hamden High School. He received his B.S. from the University of Rhode Island in 1960 and his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Yale University in 1965. He did his post-doctoral research at the National Academy of Science – Naval Research Laboratory from 1965 to 1967 in Washington, D.C. It was in Washington where he met the love of his life, Nancy, and they fell in love during the North American blizzard of 1966. They married in 1967 and moved to Dayton, OH where he joined the Chemistry Department of the University of Dayton. He taught Physical Chemistry for 43 years at UD and he served as department chairman from 1992 to 1999. He was also passionate about his research in X-ray Crystallography. After retiring from teaching in 2010, he was honored as Professor Emeritus and continued to pursue his research. 

Al was a member of St. Albert the Great parish and was deeply rooted in his Catholic faith. He was a gifted musician and shared his violin talents at church for decades. He was a long-time member of the Sons of Italy and could be found happily playing bocce on Monday nights in the summer. He cherished his family and made many trips back to Italy to stay connected to his Italian relatives. He loved gardening and was an avid grower of tomatoes, grapes, and vegetables. He was enthusiastic about sports – whether playing softball and golf, listening to Reds baseball or watching Flyer basketball. Nothing made Al happier than enjoying a card game with his friends and loved ones.

Preceded in death by his parents Angelo and Algisa Fratini, and his brother, Anthony Fratini. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Nancy; daughter Angela Kohnen (Charles) and their children, Katherine, Kenneth, and Andrew Kohnen of Dayton, OH; son Albert (Patricia) and their children, Alexander, Anthony, and Nicholas Fratini of North Olmsted, OH; daughter Amy of Dayton, OH; and son Andrew (Mary) and their children, Sophia and Lydia Fratini of Wilmette, IL. 

The family will receive friends from 2:00 – 4:00 PM on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at the Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd., Kettering. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM on Monday, January 27, 2025, at St. Albert the Great Church, 3033 Far Hills Ave., Dayton. Burial in Calvary Cemetery.

The family would like to express our thanks for the wonderful care he received at the Carlyle House. In lieu of flowers, friends may contribute to a charity of their choice.