Peter Joseph Frasso

HAVERHILL - Peter Joseph Frasso, 75, of Haverhill, MA, passed away after a brief illness on August 12, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Peter, son of the late Nicholas and Elena Frasso, leaves behind his beloved wife of forty seven years, Paula, of Haverhill, his son Anthony Frasso and  wife Tiffany of North Reading, his daughter in-law Alyssa Frasso and daughters Gianna Proia and Piper Frasso of Haverhill, and siblings Madeline and her husband Thomas Burke of Winthrop, Nicholas and his wife Patty Frasso of Winthrop, Alida and her husband Wendell Poirier of Swampscott, Rosemary Frasso and John Marsicano of Philadelphia, PA, Joseph Frasso and Stacy Rand of Winthrop, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his son, Peter Joseph Frasso, Jr. in January of 2021.

Peter was born and raised in Winthrop. Following high school, he graduated from Wentworth Institute and Northeastern University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. 

Peter worked for Varian Vacuum Products for much of his career.  He rose to the level of General Manager and led the division to a Malcolm Baldridge Award and the designation of Best Plants in America.  He was so proud of the achievement that he sent a stretch limousine for his parents to attend the award ceremony upstaging Senator Ted Kennedy who arrived in a black nondescript SUV.   

He traveled extensively during his career. His mother and father, who had never traveled further than New Hampshire, were captivated by the travelogue stories. He visited most of Europe, Japan and China. He climbed the Great Wall and ate live crustaceans in Japan. He visited Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia. He was fascinated by the street shopping district in Korea arriving home with misprinted socks, discounted costume jewelry and fancy purses for his wife.

Peter was a hands-on guy. A true mechanic at heart. From an early age he had a penchant for taking things apart to figure out how they worked. He had a fascination for cars and bought his first car even before he learned how to drive. That car was taken apart and put together numerous times until he finally had it running!  In his later years, he fulfilled his dream of owning a red, two door (that’s important!), 1957 Chevy Bel Air. He so enjoyed working on that car, cruising with the top down and showing his car at classic car shows. 

Peter always had a new hobby or interest. He delved into everything with curiosity and enthusiasm. He loved photography, especially sports photography, and spent hours online learning new techniques. He developed an interest in magic, both sleight of hand and purchased professional tricks. He was once invited to perform magic for his 5-year-old nephew’s birthday party. The professional trick he included in the show – cutting off his mother’s arm – was so realistic that he drove his nephew screaming from the room. He loved his nieces and nephews, loved to tease them, and loved to wrestle and play with them.

Peter was kind, compassionate and loving. He rarely had a bad word to say about anybody. He genuinely liked people, and they liked him in return. He had a great sense of humor. He often lent a helping hand to a friend or neighbor without hesitation. He once spent an entire weekend helping a neighbor replace his rotors and brakes, saving him the cost of an expensive repair.

Peter was an amazing Papa. He loved Gianna as one of his own, always supporting her and her successes.  3-year-old Piper Josephine was a shining light during his retirement years.   They enjoyed playing games, putting together puzzles and reading books. Even when he was not steady on his feet, he always had the energy to take her hand and follow her to whatever activity she wanted to show him,

His passing leaves a gaping hole in the family fabric. He was the anchor, the glue, the family patriarch in every way. He was always the voice of reason and a sage advisor. He will be missed at the dinner table. He will be missed in front of the tv cheering on the Red Sox or the Patriots.  He will be missed for his wise advice, his ability to fix just about anything and for his cheesy Dad jokes. He will be missed.

Services were privately held with burial in Linwood Cemetery, Haverhill. Memorial Service for friends and extended family will be held in the early Fall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1999, Memphis, TN 38101 or the Peter J. Frasso, Jr. Music Scholarship Fund, 15 Parker Lane, Haverhill, MA  01832. Arrangements by Driscoll Funeral Home, Haverhill. For guestbook, visit www.driscollcares.com 

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