Pete Frates
Today Heaven received our angel: Peter Frates. A husband to Julie, a father to Lucy, a son to John and Nancy, a brother to Andrew and Jennifer, Pete passed away surrounded by his loving family, peacefully at age 34, after a heroic battle with ALS.
Pete was an inspiration to so many people around the world who drew strength from his courage and resiliency.
A natural born leader and the ultimate teammate, Pete was a role model for all, especially young athletes, who looked up to him for his bravery and unwavering positive spirit in the face of adversity. He was a noble fighter who inspired us all to use our talents and strengths in the service of others.
Remarkably, Pete never complained about his illness. Instead, he saw it as an opportunity to give hope to other patients and their families. In his lifetime, he was determined to change the trajectory of a disease that had no treatment or cure. As a result, through his determination—along with his faithful supporters, Team Frate Train—he championed the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. In August of 2014, the historic movement pioneered social media fundraising and garnered donations globally that resulted in better access to ALS care, genetic discoveries, treatments and, someday, a cure. He was a beacon of hope for all.
On behalf of Julie, Lucy, John, Nancy, Jennifer and Andrew, along with his extended family and multitude of friends, we ask that you celebrate Pete and the hope that he has given to so many by following his daily affirmation: Be passionate, be genuine, be hardworking and don’t ever be afraid to be great.
As we prepare to lay Pete to rest, we ask that you respect our privacy while we mourn his loss. For those who would like to extend an expression of sympathy, please consider making a donation to the Peter Frates Family Foundation, 21 Landers Drive, Beverly, MA 01915 or online at petefrates.com/donate. Pete’s foundation’s mission is to aid progressed ALS patients in their desire to stay at home with those who love them most.
Pete’s funeral Mass will be held on Friday, December 13, at 11 a.m. at St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish, located at 28 Commonwealth Ave. in Chestnut Hill, Mass., alongside the campus of his beloved alma mater, Boston College. A celebration of life will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Monday, December 16, at the Mahoney Wellness Center on the campus of St. John’s Preparatory School, 72 Summer St., Danvers.
The Frates family wishes to express its sincere gratitude for the abundant love, kindness, and support we have been the recipients of during the past eight years.
Milestones:
- May 2003: Graduates from St. John's Prep, Danvers, Mass.
- May 2007: Graduates from Boston College with a degree in communication.
- March 2012: Named director of baseball operations for Boston College baseball.
- March 2012: Diagnosed with ALS at age 27.
- June 1, 2013: Marries Julie Frates (nee Kowalik).
- August 2014: Ice Bucket Challenge raises more than $220 million for ALS research.
- August 31, 2014: Lucy Frates born.
- December 2014: Nominated along with fellow ALS warrior Pat Quinn for “Person of the Year” by Time magazine.
- 2014: Co-recipient of Sports Illustrated’s Inspiration of the Year honor.
- 2014: ESPN SportsCenter’s "Pete's Challenge" is nominated for an Emmy (produced by Drew Gallagher BC '99).
- March 3, 2015: BC Baseball and Boston Red Sox wear No. 3 in Pete's honor at the annual spring training game Ft. Myers, Fla.
- April 13, 2015: Red Sox sign Pete to an honorary contract on Opening Day.
- 2016: Pete's No. 3 jersey retired by BC Baseball & St. John's Prep.
- 2016: St. John's Prep baseball field dedicated as "Pete Frates '03 Diamond"
- 2016: Endicott College (Beverly, Mass.) opens Pete Frates Hall.
- 2017: NCAA Inspiration of the Year Award.
- June 2017: Frates family donates the bucket used for Pete’s own Ice Bucket Challenge, along with memorabilia from his playing days at BC, for a display in the Baseball Hall of Fame (Cooperstown, N.Y.).
- Sept. 5, 2017: Boston Mayor Marty Walsh declares Pete Frates Day in Boston at a ceremony outside City Hall.
- Sept. 5, 2017: The Ice Bucket Challenge biography is released.
- Dec. 2018: Netflix announces production based on biography.
- June 26, 2019: Boston College announces that Phase II of the Harrington Athletics Village will be named the Pete Frates Center.
- Sept. 6, 2019: The Boston Red Sox present Pete with a custom 2018 World Series ring.