Richard Michael Frate

Richard Michael Frate, 91, died Tuesday morning, June 11, 2024, at McLeod Hospice House. Mr. Frate was born in Cleveland, OH, the son of the late Shirley Adeline Frate. Mr. Frate found enjoyment growing up by playing multiple sports, playing multiple instruments, attending numerous shows including his favorite big bands at Cleveland’s theaters, and attending many games of the Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Browns. Mr. Frate graduated from Miami University in Oxford, OH, where he was a three-year letterman, captain and conference runner-up for the school’s wrestling team. While attending Miami, Mr. Frate honorably served his country by joining the Marine Corps Reserves during the Korean War. Mr. Frate completed his service in Norfolk, VA, after which he taught high school and coached wrestling, and then worked in the textile industry for almost 20 years. Mr. Frate retired from Florence School District 1 as Finance Director, and was an active volunteer throughout his life in many civic and arts organizations, including many years acting and directing at the Florence Little Theater. Mr. Frate’s greatest service was as a volunteer at McLeod Hospice House for the last 18 years of his life. He always referred to staff there as angels for the love and compassion they provide to patients and families, and the family wishes to thank the staff at Hospice House for the love and compassion they showed their father at the end of his own life.Mr. Frate was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Bishop Frate, and his son, Michael David Frate. He is survived by five children; Steven Frate (Cindy) of Monetta, VA, Lisa Burkett (Raymond) of Florence, Karen Snider of Florence, Mary Kelley (Doyle) of Savannah, GA, and Doug Frate (Anne) of Columbia, SC; eight grandchildren, Ryan Frate (Kelly) of Annapolis, MD, Jordan Frate of Mills River, NC, McKenna Croom (Warren) of Savannah, GA,Sarah Coleman (Troy) of Florence,SC Joshua and Jacob Kelley of Savannah, GA, and Maisie and Will Frate of Columbia, SC; and two great-grandchildren, Delaney Croom and Bryson Coleman. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, June 15 at St. Anthony Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made at McLeod Hospice House at 1203 E Cheves St, Florence, SC 29506.