The morning of Friday, June 5, 2026, Michael “Mike” Frasca, 86, died peacefully, surrounded by his family and loved ones in Hampton, VA.
He was born and raised in Pleasant Valley neighborhood of Altoona, PA. Mike was a typical boy; had plenty of friends and was a good athlete playing on the varsity football team during his years at Roosevelt Junior High and Altoona High School as a halfback. Mike earned an athletic scholarship playing 3 years of football for the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt), he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and then a Master of Arts: Guidance & Counseling from Hampton Institute (Hampton University) in 1974.
Following a brief service as a U.S. Navy corpsman, Mike was commissioned as an Officer in 1964 and began his career in the U.S. Air Force assigned to Missile Launch Systems. His service during the Vietnam War, took him to Lakeland, Texas for Officer Training school, Francis E. Warren AFB Wyoming; NATO strategic site at Keflavik, Iceland; Davis Monthan AFB Tucson AZ; and finally, Langley AFB Tactical Air Command. He retired honorably after 18 years of service with multiple distinguished honors including: The Air Force Commendation Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon; Air Force Recognition Medal and the Combat Readiness Medal. After his retirement, Mike continued his dedication to country and community, later earning a real estate license and working as an instructor for the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action (VASAP) program. He also was employed with Anheuser Busch Williamsburg as a Brewing supervisor for ten years.
Mike was a passionate reader and longtime patron of the North Hampton Public Library. He was a regular walker/ jogger at the Matteson trail in Hampton, VA, 6 days a week up until his illness and really loved hanging out in the parking lot after with his jogging buddies.
He was a strong and present father, grandfather, and friend, loved by all those in the communities he joined. Mike enjoyed traveling and trips, driving to his destinations like an all-national park trip from Virginia to Alaska, and Florida to see a Space Shuttle Launch. He will be remembered as a man of profound character, whose life was led by kindness, intelligence, generosity, strength, patience, and a fierce independence. A true gentleman, he took pride in dressing appropriately for every occasion and held a deep respect for correct speech/grammar rules. Above all, he cherished the simple comforts of home cooking—especially his beloved lentil soup—and never turned down his favorite treat of butterscotch. His steady presence, gentle wisdom, and unwavering standards will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His love for his family, deep admiration for his grandchildren, dedication to his friends, and patriotism were everything to him and defined his joy in living.
Mike’s spirit and wisdom are carried on by his children; Wendy Pennington (David), James Frasca, Gina Grube (Richard), as is his memory in his grandchildren; Colin Pennington (Grace), Joseph Grube, Brian Grube, Susan Grube; siblings, Carole Reilly, Richard Frasca; his longtime confidant, Patricia Martin and her daughters, Shannon and Mandy and their family; nieces and nephews, Lisa Reilly (Pat), Joseph Reilly (Sabrina), Jennifer Reilly (Wayne), Maria Reilly White (Beirne), Christopher Frasca (Dani), Ashley Frasca and Bri Frasca. He was preceded in death by his parents, Attilio Frasca and Vera Marie Frasca.
Mike’s family would like to provide a special thank you for the wonderful support provided by his community including; Riverside Hospital (5th floor West Nurses, Doctors, Staff) and Virginia Health Hospice.
The family will receive friends from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at Weymouth Funeral Home, 12746 Nettles Dr, Newport News, VA 23606. Mike will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date with Full Military Honors.
In lieu of flowers, Mike requested your support go to the following organizations he held close to his heart.
- Veterans Administration
- Hampton Public Library – Contact Shannon Frescura at 757-825-4558
- Hampton Public Library Foundation – c/o Hampton Public Library, 4207 Victoria Boulevard, Hampton, VA 23669
- Special Olympics
