Justin Fratantuono, a 32-year-old former baseball player from Charleston, South Carolina, tragically passed away on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
Justin’s passing has left a profound impact on his family, friends, and the wider community.
One of his close friends shared on Facebook:
Another friend wrote:
Our family lost a great man, brother, son, husband, cousin, and most importantly a father. Justin was selfless in his devotion to those around him, evident through his time in the Navy and his can-do attitude to help anyone. He was a role model for me and someone I aspired to emulate. While his time on Earth is finished, he leaves an unforgettable impact on anyone lucky enough to have known him. He also leaves behind two girls, Quinn and Theo. Please consider donating to their education.
Via Facebook
His legacy of love, courage, and selflessness will forever shine through the hearts of his family and friends.
Though gone too soon, Justin’s spirit will continue to guide and inspire all who were blessed to know him.
The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 26, 2025, at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, located at 1520 Rifle Range Road, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464.
A prayer service will precede the visitation, beginning at 6:00 p.m.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, 990 Etiwan Park Street, Charleston, SC 29492.
Instead of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be directed to a fund dedicated to his children’s education.
Justin is preceded in d*ath by his maternal grandmother, Julia List, and his paternal grandparents, Arthur “Otts” and Colleen Fratantuono.
From Baseball Hero to Navy Leader: The Legacy of Justin Fratantuono
From a young age, Justin was passionate about sports, especially baseball.
He played throughout his time at Calvert Hall College High School and later in a local softball league.
On Instagram, one of his friends shared:
Justin transferred to Calvert hall when Cardinal Gibbons closed before his senior year. He NEVER complained, he was a great teammate, and was a really smart kid. Within his short time of being at Calvert Hall, he EARNED our team and coach’s respect and was named a team captain. Justin turned a really crappy situation into a positive experience. Thank you for your service to America, your friendship, your infectious attitude, and for just being a great guy. Oh… and for being a damn good ball player (over 50 hits his senior year and multiple outfield assists / ALL MIAA)!! RIP Frat I will see you again one day!!
Via Instagram
On his Facebook, he shared numerous photos of himself with his baseball team.
Justin graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2015, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Ocean Engineering.
During his active duty, he served as a submarine officer aboard the USS Kentucky (SSBN 737), stationed in Silverdale, Washington.
He later assumed a shore duty role as a shift engineer on the USS Daniel Webster (MSO 626) at the Nuclear Power Training Unit (NPTU) in Charleston.
After leaving active military service, Justin continued his work at NPTU as a project analyst for the Naval Nuclear Laboratory, where he utilized his leadership and technical expertise to support the nation’s mission.
Always striving for personal and professional growth, Justin earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of South Carolina, along with a graduate certificate in Technical Project Management from The Citadel.
A GoFundMe Page Has Been Created to Support Justin Fratantuono’s Children’s Education
Justin was a devoted husband and father.
He married his wife, Emily Fratantuono, on May 30, 2015, and together they were blessed with three children: Quinn, Julia, and Theodora Mary Fratantuono.
Emily, Justin’s wife, works as a Dyslexia Therapist at BeacoLearninggs and earned her M.Ed.Ed in Language and Literacy from the University of South Carolina.
A GoFundMe campaign has been created to support the education of Justin Fratantuono’s daughters during this difficult time.
The campaign was established to help cover funeral expenses and ensure that his daughters continue to receive a Catholic education, which was of utmost importance to Justin and Emily.
The initial fundraising goal was $50,000, and thanks to the generosity of the community, $27,000 has already been raised.
The campaign post reads:
Dear family and friends, the world has lost a good man. Justin was a wonderful friend and a great father and husband. He was always there for those he loved, and now is our time to be there for him. Having both their daughters get a Catholic education was of utmost importance to Justin and Emily. The family asks that memorial contributions be made to this fund dedicated to his children’s education.
Via GoFundMe
Additionally, a second GoFundMe page was created to support the family. The original goal of $26,000 was surpassed in record time.
The organizer shared:
Wow! What incredible support from the community. You have helped raise over $20k in just over 24 hours! What an incredible statement about Justin’s impact on all our lives. I have increased the goal to help maintain momentum going forward. Every donation goes directly to Justin’s family to support his daughters’ education. Thank you for your support, and please continue to share! Thank you all so much!
Via GoFundMe
Justin’s life of service, devotion, and love for his family leaves a lasting impression on everyone who has had the honor of knowing him.
His dedication, integrity, and unwavering support for his loved ones will be remembered with deep admiration and respect.
May his memory continue to inspire and guide all who were fortunate enough to share in his life.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Justin was born on August 13, 1993, in Baltimore, Maryland, to Janine Fratantuono-Cox (List) and Gary Fratantuono.
- During his time at the Naval Academy, he developed a passion for powerlifting. Later in life, he enjoyed spending time on the golf course with friends, his brother, and his father.
