John ‘Jack’ Malcolm Fraser, had esteemed career
John Malcolm Fraser (Jack), 88, of Ocean View, formerly of Clinton, N.Y., passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016, at his home. He was a gracious wonderful man full of heart!
Jack was born in Utica, N.Y., son of the late Robert Dobell and Gertrude Mae Fraser. Jack's father was an alumnus of Hamilton College in Clinton, and served the college as a member of the board of trustees. Throughout his esteemed career he became the patriarch of the well-known Fraser's Department Store in Utica.
Jack was a graduate of New Hartford High School, Deerfield Academy and graduated in 1951 from Williams College, Williamstown Mass., where he also excelled on the varsity basketball team. As a devoted citizen of his community, he was instrumental in the lives of many, coaching Pop Warner Football and Little League baseball. He also served as president of the Clinton Athletic Boosters Club.
He was a self-employed businessman operating multiple service stations on The New York State Thruway for 40 years. He continued his quest of community and youth providing summer employment for countless young men and women. Jack was a devoted Friend of Bill W. for over 30 years, continuing his passion to help those in need.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 36 years, Barbara Ann "Babs" (McCann) Fraser in 1987; his son, William John Fraser in 2011; and brothers Robert Fraser and William Fraser. He is survived by his sister, Jean Fraser Leroy of Cortland N.Y.; his loving wife and best friend in life of 28 years, Michael Ann (Kelly) Fraser; four children, John Edward Fraser and his loving companion Georgia Ann Knapp of Saginaw, Mich., James Jerome and wife Grace Fraser of Lake Luzerne, N.Y., Jeffrey Paul Fraser of Broadalbin, N.Y. and Amy Jean Fraser of Whitesboro, N.Y.; three stepchildren, Diane (Thomas) Purcell of Dagsboro, Anita C. Marini of Ocean View, and David M. Marini of Dagsboro; 10 beautiful and amazing grandchildren; and 10 precious great-grandchildren; many in-laws, nieces and nephews; also cherished his presence in their lives.
Calling hours will be held at St. Ann's Catholic Church 691 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach, at 10 a.m., Tuesday Oct. 25, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Another Mass will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Clinton, with burial in St. Mary's Cemetery at a later date. Details will be forthcoming.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in his name to the American Heart Association by visiting www.heart.org.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com.
