James Edward Fratus

James Edward Fratus, a wonderful man, 70, of Dillsburg and formerly of Erie, passed away of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at his home. Jim fought this cruel disease with dignity and never complained. 

     He was born January 18, 1955, in Erie, PA the son of the late Emanuel E. Fratus, Jr. and Eleanor D. (Benecki) Fratus.

    Jim was a graduate of Gannon College with a degree in Electrical Engineering, class of 1976. He went on to work for Bucyrus-Erie in South Milwaukie, Wisconsin as a Design Engineer on the 380 W project. In 1979 he moved to AMSCO Systems Division in Erie as a Senior Design Engineer. He then began his long career at General Electric in 1980, and retiring at 34 years, as a Technical Leader in transportation where he led many highly motivated engineer technicians in test development engineering.   

     Jim is a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg. He also was formerly involved with the Boy Scouts of America and enjoyed traveling, camping,  spending time with his family, and was an avid Green Bay Packers fan. 

     Jim is survived by his wife Cheryl (Leube) Fratus; his two sons, Christopher J. Fratus (Angela) of Mechanicsburg, Gregory J. Fratus (Bethany) of Mechanicsburg; one brother, Daniel J. Fratus (Ruby) of McNeal, AZ; four grandchildren, Nathan, Katelyn, Jack, Margaret; and his dog Chester. Jim was preceded in death along with his parents by two siblings, Robert L. Fratus (Heidi) and Patricia Fratus.

     Services will be held Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 11:00 am in his church, St. Peter Lutheran Church, 130 Nittany Dr., Mechanicsburg, PA. A viewing will be held Friday from 1:30 pm-3:00 pm in the Cocklin Funeral Home, Inc., 30 N. Chestnut St., Dillsburg. A visitation will be held Saturday from 10-11 am at the church prior to the service. Private enurnment will be held in the Dillsburg Cemetery-Golf Course Road.

     In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to CUREPSP, Inc., 325 Hudson St., FL4, New York, NY 10213-0806.

A livestream link can be found below.