Richard Fratto, 1953–2026, Waltham teacher and scuba instructor

Richard N. Fratto, of Waltham, died Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026. He was 73.

Richard was born in Brighton, a son of the late Nicholas Fratto (Retired Cambridge Police Chief) and Dorothy (D’Onofrio) Fratto. He graduated from Watertown High School with the class of 1970 and attended Manter Hall School in Cambridge in 1971. While at Salem State College he played hockey and held the position of Senior Class Coordinator in which he orchestrated class activities including a concert by Bruce Springstein and his class Senior Week. He graduated in 1976 and later earned his Masters degree in education from Cambridge College. He married Weston native Susan E. Bigham on May 5, 1984 and made Waltham their home since 1984.

An avid scuba diver, he owned and operated his own dive shop, Pro Divers U.S.A. and taught scuba diving at Boston College, Boston University and other area colleges. Following his love for teaching, Richard spent over twenty years in the Waltham School System, teaching both elementary and sixth grade science. Outside of work, he loved spending time with his family, wreck diving throughout the Northeast and Cape Cod, and volunteering to coach Waltham Youth Hockey. He always looked forward to diving for lobsters for the family’s annual July 4th cookout.

He was a devout Catholic and faithful communicant of Saint Julia’s Church in Weston and Sacred Heart Church in Waltham.

In addition to his wife of 42 years, Susan, he leaves his son, Dr. Brian E. Fratto of Holden; his brother, Ofc. Joseph T. Fratto (ret.) (Kathleen) of Waltham; and in-laws, Penelope Comeau (Phillip), Deborah Bigham Esq., Dr. Peter Bigham (Kathleen) and Joseph Fanara. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Nicholas and Dorothy; his sister, Brenda A. Fanara; and in-laws, Attorney Edward T. Bigham Jr. (Marie), Joan M. Bigham and Edward T. ‘Jeep’ Bigham III Esq.

Family and friends will honor and remember Richard’s life by gathering on Tuesday, Feb. 17 in Saint Julia’s Church, 374 Boston Post Road, Weston where his funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial is private and there are no calling hours.