Funeral Mass for Lando Fratesi, 92, of Leland will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 7, 2025 at St. James Catholic Church in Leland. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until service time. He passed away on February 3, 2025, in Leland, surrounded by family.
Lando was born on August 4, 1932. Shortly after graduating from Leland High School, he met the love of his life, Mavis Ayers Fratesi. The two were married in May of 1955. He joined the army and served for two years, including time served overseas in Germany. After returning home, he began farming, a life he loved.
Lando and Mavis attended St. James Catholic Church where he was a eucharistic minister and served on the parish council regularly. Lando received the Bishop Chanche Mission Award in February of 2019 for his exemplary service in the areas of evangelization, faith formation, and service to the community. He lived a life of service to the Lord. He and Mavis loved sports and enjoyed attending the many sporting events and activities of their children and grandchildren. “Pappy,” as he was known by many, loved his community. He enjoyed fellowshipping with his church family and friends and always had a pot of coffee at the ready for anyone who wanted to stop by and visit.
Lando is preceded in death by his wife, Mavis Ayers Fratesi, mother, Maria Radicioni Fratesi, his father, Silvio Fratesi, and sisters, Gilda, Conchetta “Connie”, Linda, and Elizabeth (Lisa).
Lando is survived by his son, Marc (Lisa) Fratesi of Ocean Springs, MS, daughter Alyson (Harold) Grissom of Perkinston, MS, grandsons Landon (Livie) Fratesi of Leland, Roman Fratesi of Pensacola FL, Britton Fratesi of Leland, and Rhett Fratesi of Leland, granddaughters Alexandria (Matt) Ishee of Daphne AL, Faison Fratesi of Ocean Springs, two great grandchildren, Amelia Ishee, and Silvio Fratesi. He is also survived by two brothers, Louis (Evelyn) Fratesi, and Charlie E. (Drucilla) Fratesi.
The family wishes to express thanks to all those who reached out with love and prayers during this time.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Charities of Jackson, MS, from which both Marc and Alyson were adopted.