Modern Vespa

Does anyone know how Ardy is doing ?

Bill x

Only check in occasionally these days. So sad to read this news.

Godspeed Al.

She's in communication with some of us and seems to be doing pretty well but as I found out 7 years ago ... it's a really up and down thing over a long while. Starting with mostly down. She's not much of a computer user.

Would you mind sending her my sympathies and love ?

I'd be so grateful if you'd convey that for me ?

Thank you.

Bill x

I've been mostly offline for the last few months and hadn't heard about Al's passing until I saw a facebook post from WLeuthold with some photos of their memorial ride. I was wait listed for this year's Tuscany ride but it didn't work out but figured I'd definitely be riding whatever ride he planned for this year (2017). I'm so sorry that I wasn't able to meet Al in person and he will be sorely missed not only by his family but by so many members of Modern Vespa. My condolences to his family.

RIP, you memory will live on Al.

So sad.

Al made my one day Tuscany loop in 2014 a piece of cake when he guided me to a reliable rental shop in Pontedera.

He was a pillar of this forum.

My deepest condolences to his family.

RIP Aviator47 or as I called him for the past 26 years, Papa. He was my dad. That "saintly wife" Ardy is my mother. She is doing very well considering. I joined this forum to personally thank everyone for their kind comments and to let you know that the family appreciates all the kind words and pictures. I knew he spent a lot of time on MV but did not know he was so well regarded. He spoke of many of you while visiting with us in the US or in Greece. He told the stories of the epic adventures and rides to everyone. We will all miss him, his stories, his little cigars, and his laugh.

Thanks again.

Thx for Letting us know. Al was an MV icon. He would be an icon on any forum. Condolences to you and your family.

Best
Miguel

I don't check in very often anymore and didn't see this horrible news until just now. My sincere condolences to the family and all who knew him personally. I never met him other than here on MV, but I've read many of his posts. I have also seen how loved he was by everyone who met or rode with him. Sad news, indeed.

I have been thinking about Al since our family is planning a trip to Greece this summer. Came across this and thought I should share it here...

Albert T. Fragola, 74

Albert T. Fragola, USA LTC (RET) Flight classes 67-15,Call sign: Black Cat One and a former Pelham resident and graduate of PMHS Class of 1960, passed away December 30, 2016. He was 74 and was living in Paros, Greece.

Born December 31, 1942 in Pelham, to Albert & Dora Fragola. He attended Rutgers-The State University, NJ.; Manhattan College, NY; Hunter College, NY; Texas Christian University, TX - MLA; and Cambridge University, UK - degree in Orthodox Christian History.

Al grew up in Pelham and remained friends with many of his classmates. He attended a couple of his PMHS reunions just recently and some of his classmates traveled to Greece about 8 years ago on a mini reunion of the Class 1960. His stepmother, Betty Fragola, lived in Pelham until about five years ago.

Al was an avid Aviator who loved flying.

He served 34 years in the Armed Forces: Six years in the Marine Corps, 3 years active and 3 years reserve. 28 years in the Army. Al proudly served two tours of duty in Vietnam as a Helicopter Pilot. He was the recipient of The Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service, and Air Medal among other awards. Al attended Command and General Staff College, 1983, graduating with honors and the US Naval War College in 1995. He Retired August 31, 1995 from the 124th Arcom, Ft. Lawton, Washington.

Al was also an avid boater, cruising the waters of the Great Lakes and the Pacific Northwest. He served as Commodore of the Oak Harbor Yacht Club.

He also loved riding his Vespa. He formed the Vespa Club del Mediterraneo while living in Greece, hosting several Scooter Rallies in Greece, Italy, Spain and France. Participants came from the US, Canada, UK, Germany and Australia.

Al was very active in the Eastern Orthodox Church. He loved God, his family and living in the Greek Islands.

Al is survived by his beloved wife Ardy, his daughters, Kirsten Poteet (Bill) and Deidre Fragola, step son Michael Waldon, sister Geraldine O'Hara (John), four grandchildren and one great grandson.

Al is buried on his beloved Greek Island of Paros.

Here's the link: http://www.pelhamplus.com/obituaries/article_486603f8-eb18-11e6-9035-ff547a5b5792.html

He is missed on here. It's been a little over a year since he passed. That went by to fast. I have no doubt he's up there organizing a scooter rally. RIP AV.

I had no idea about Al's involvement in the Oak Harbor Yacht Club. We very well could have crossed paths back when I raced on sailboats.
Thank you.

I barely knew Al, only one week in Italy where Sarah and I had a few nice conversations with the leader of the group.

But I did take this nice photo of him on the ferry to Elba.