Obituary of Michael C. Fratangelo

Michael Charles Fratangelo entered into eternal peace on March 20, 2021. Mike was born on April 7, 1963 to Peter and Josephine Fratangelo in Brooklyn, NY. Second of three children, Mike grew up in South Brooklyn and Kensington with sister Rosemary and brother Peter. Mike grew up with numerous family around him in Brooklyn, including his grandparents Helen and Charlie Piotrowski and Rose and Michael Fratangelo, Aunt and Uncle Carol and Joseph Fratangelo, Uncle Mario, late Uncle Robert, and cousins Michele, Pamela, Charles and Robert.

As a boy, Mike attended Our Lady of Czestochowa and Immaculate Heart of Mary primary schools, followed by Bishop Ford Central Catholic H.S. in Windsor Terrace. Mike enjoyed playing sports in his childhood and teen years, especially roller hockey. Following high school, Mike attended Kingsborough Community College while working with his father and uncle at Central National-Gottesman Corp.

Mike soon decided to change careers, and he became a produce supplier, watermelons in the summer and apples the rest of the year. It was at this time that Mike discarded his earlier nickname of "Fritz" to become known forever more as "Mikey Apples." Just saying the word "Apples" is enough in many parts of Brooklyn and New Jersey to let people know you are talking about Mikey.

Mike started dating the love of his life, Nancy Fernandez, and they were married at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church on June 20, 1997. This made Mike part of a whole new family that he loved and cherished, including his father and mother-in-law Vinny and the late Pat Gallagher, together with in-laws Kathy and husband Rod, Diane and husband Nick, Dougie and fiancée Claudia, Kenny and fiancée Annette, and the late Eugene, together with many nieces and nephews with whom Mike loved spending time and joking. Mike was so happy and proud to be the godfather of niece Kaitlin, and to instill in her and all his nieces and nephews the love for life and values of treating everyone with kindness and care that Mike lived by.

Although he will be known as Mikey Apples forever, Mike discovered the profession for which his gregariousness and effervescent personality was made when he began bartending at Denny's Pub and other bars in Brooklyn, and eventually became part owner of Rhythm & Booze Sports Bar & Grill in Windsor Terrace Brooklyn with partner Jamie in 1999. Mike would also become co-owner of Third & Seven Tavern in Marine Park before becoming sole owner with Nancy of Rhythm & Booze. Mike loved bartending, and spending time with the innumerable friends and community he made at Rhythm & Booze and Third and Seven.

Mike loved boats and the water, and was a long-time member of the Hudson River Yacht Club, spending many warm days with his friends at the Club and on the boats. Mike was also a long-time supporter of Bishop Ford H.S., organizing large groups of people to attend the fundraising Doo-Wop shows at Bishop Ford and hosting many parties at Rhythm & Booze afterward.

Although life-long Brooklynites, Mike and Nancy switched to the suburban life when they moved to Howell, New Jersey. Mike loved living in the suburbs, and was greatly appreciative of the many wonderful new friends he made in New Jersey. Mike was an avid ham radio operator, meeting numerous diverse friends over the airwaves, thus making Mikey Apples known throughout the country and even the world. Mike also had a life-long love of animals, having continuously had pet dogs most of his life from Lisa the Doberman to Tia the Rottweiler and many, many in between. Mike particularly liked birds, from flying pigeons with his Dad when he was young to caring for numerous parrots, parakeets, finches and other birds throughout his life, and loving to watch the beautiful and varied wild birds outside his home.

Michael is survived by his wife Nancy, father Peter, sister Rosemary, brother Peter, father-in-law Vinny, Aunt and Uncle Carol and Joseph, Uncle Mario, Cousins Pamela, Michele and husband Ralph, and numerous in-laws, cousins, nephews, nieces and friends. Mike was a true gentleman who had a smile that would light up any room as he made everyone feel welcome and appreciated. A smile that will last in the hearts of everyone forever.

Please take advantage of the Tribute Wall tab to express your compassion and condolences over Michael's passing.

For those who wish to send a floral tribute to the wake service, please call Joe at Shannon Florist & Nursery (718) 436-4521.

For those who would like to send a donation in lieu of flowers to honor Mike's memory, please send to Grace Hospice. Grace Healthcare Services - 105 Fieldcrest Ave, Suite 402,  Edison, NJ 08837.

Reposing Wednesday from 2:00 to 5:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 PM at Marine Park Funeral Home, 3024 Quentin Road, Brooklyn.

Funeral Mass will be held 10:30 AM on Thursday at Immaculate Heart of Mary R.C. Church, 2805 Ft. Hamilton Parkway, Brooklyn.

On Thursday morning, please visit IHM Website - CLICK HERE to view a LIVE BROADCAST of the funeral mass for Michael.

Please be advised the Funeral Home must limit the number of attendees under the Covid-19 Restrictions.

To ensure the safety of all our visitors and employees, all attendees are required to follow the following safety measures:

*Face Mask  - All family members, attendees, and funeral home personnel MUST wear a face mask or covering at all times

*Maintain Physical Distancing.

*Stay Home if you are sick: Individuals who are sick or not feeling well should not attend the service.