Orlando “Ollie” Frati passed peacefully on January 9, 2024, surrounded by his family. Orlando was born on November 30, 1931 in Bangor, Maine to parents Enrico Frati (Rome, Italy) and Alice (Helenbrand) Frati (Old Town, ME).
Orlando was a kind man with a sense of humor. He was loved by all who knew him. Those who spoke of him said he was a pillar of the community and well respected. He was known as an honest businessman and for inspiring people in business. He did not speak badly of people, never judged others, and showed kindness to everyone.
Orlando attended schools in Bangor. When he was a middle school student, he worked alongside his father at Frati Jeweler’s and Pawn Shop. Orlando had a passion for photography at an early age. His father bought him his first camera, a Kodak Brownie.
After graduating from high school, he was drafted into the army at the time of the Korean War. He was in the 47th Civil Engineer Department. It was here that Orlando was schooled in photography. He spent two years in the army and six years in the army reserves.
He was a member of St. Andrews Lodge #83 A.F. & A.M. of Bangor, Scottish Rite Bodies, and Anah Shriners. These organizations have been close to his heart.
Orlando fell in love and married Charlene Lebel. They were married 65 years. He was a loving and supporting father to his four children throughout his life. Family came first.
Orlando continued to work at his father’s store and did Wedding Photography for 18 years. He was also known for photographing country music stars who performed at the Bangor Auditorium. He captured on film Cole Porter, Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard, Gene Autrey, and Johnny Cash to name a few. Dolly Parton returned to Bangor 46 years after her first performance and Orlando met her backstage. She signed the original photo he took of her, and they had their picture taken together. This was a highlight in Orlando’s life.
When Stephen King was attending college, Orlando was introduced to him by his nickname, Ollie. Mr. King was infatuated with his name, and it appeared in many of Stephen’s books. He also mentioned the Frati Pawn shop in the book 11-22-63. If you take the Stephen King bus tour, it will stop at Frati Pawn shop.
After Orlando’s father died, he continued the legacy of the Frati Jeweler’s and Pawn Shop, which is one of the oldest businesses still operating for over 100 years in downtown Bangor. It has now been passed down to his son. Even in retirement, Orlando went to the shop every day. He enjoyed socializing with the customers and friends, Wayne, Richard, Gary, and Dale.
Orlando belonged to the Bangor Lions Club and participated in their events and fund-raising programs. He was partial to their SightFirst Program, which worked to eradicate blindness. Many did not know that Orlando was blind in one eye since birth.
Orlando enjoyed playing golf at PVCC and at many other golf courses around Maine and Florida. His other interests included poker with the boys for three decades (Stan, Bill, Leith, Gerry, Dave, Joe), gambling in Vegas and Atlanta, watching football, playing cards with friends (Judy, Pam, Donna, Leith, Juanita, and Marion), and spending time with his grandchildren.
Orlando was predeceased by his parents and siblings, Louise, Peter, and Hugo. He is survived by his loving wife, Charlene; sons, Orlando Jr. and Joseph; daughters, Alice (Fred) Rumsey and Charlene Marie (Enda) Boggins; granddaughter, Amorica; great granddaughter, Molly; sister, Joanna Hitt; cousin, Walter Frati; nieces, Pam, Debbie, Jody, Theresa, and Lisa and many more nieces and nephews. We also would like to recognize brother-in-law, Dean LeBel; Sister-in-law, Helen Frati; Dave and Mary Hallowell, Rob Baker, Josh and Elizabeth Hayward and their daughters, Allie and Carly, Laura Thibideou and daughter, Maddie, Brett Soucy of Frank’s Bake Shop, Forest Grant and Ann, Gary Smith, and Tim Cotton.
Orlando’s family is so grateful for the compassionate care he received at Cancer Care, Palliative Care, and Hospice. A special thank you to Crystal and Lexi from Hospice for his daily care with tender loving care and to Chris for her support through this difficult time.
A memorial service will be held at the Bangor Masonic Center, 294 Union Street, Bangor at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 24, 2024. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments following the service. Those who wish to remember Orlando in a special way may make gifts to the Shriners Children’s Hospital Attn: Office of Development 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr. Tampa, FL 33607 or at Donate.lovetotherescue.org
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Orlando Frati, please visit our flower store.
Orlando was a kind man with a sense of humor. He was loved by all who knew him. Those who spoke of him said he was a pillar of the community and well respected. He was known as an honest businessman and for inspiring people in business. He did not speak badly of people, never judged others, and showed kindness to everyone.
Orlando attended schools in Bangor. When he was a middle school student, he worked alongside his father at Frati Jeweler’s and Pawn Shop. Orlando had a passion for photography at an early age. His father bought him his first camera, a Kodak Brownie.
After graduating from high school, he was drafted into the army at the time of the Korean War. He was in the 47th Civil Engineer Department. It was here that Orlando was schooled in photography. He spent two years in the army and six years in the army reserves.
He was a member of St. Andrews Lodge #83 A.F. & A.M. of Bangor, Scottish Rite Bodies, and Anah Shriners. These organizations have been close to his heart.
Orlando fell in love and married Charlene Lebel. They were married 65 years. He was a loving and supporting father to his four children throughout his life. Family came first.
Orlando continued to work at his father’s store and did Wedding Photography for 18 years. He was also known for photographing country music stars who performed at the Bangor Auditorium. He captured on film Cole Porter, Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard, Gene Autrey, and Johnny Cash to name a few. Dolly Parton returned to Bangor 46 years after her first performance and Orlando met her backstage. She signed the original photo he took of her, and they had their picture taken together. This was a highlight in Orlando’s life.
When Stephen King was attending college, Orlando was introduced to him by his nickname, Ollie. Mr. King was infatuated with his name, and it appeared in many of Stephen’s books. He also mentioned the Frati Pawn shop in the book 11-22-63. If you take the Stephen King bus tour, it will stop at Frati Pawn shop.
After Orlando’s father died, he continued the legacy of the Frati Jeweler’s and Pawn Shop, which is one of the oldest businesses still operating for over 100 years in downtown Bangor. It has now been passed down to his son. Even in retirement, Orlando went to the shop every day. He enjoyed socializing with the customers and friends, Wayne, Richard, Gary, and Dale.
Orlando belonged to the Bangor Lions Club and participated in their events and fund-raising programs. He was partial to their SightFirst Program, which worked to eradicate blindness. Many did not know that Orlando was blind in one eye since birth.
Orlando enjoyed playing golf at PVCC and at many other golf courses around Maine and Florida. His other interests included poker with the boys for three decades (Stan, Bill, Leith, Gerry, Dave, Joe), gambling in Vegas and Atlanta, watching football, playing cards with friends (Judy, Pam, Donna, Leith, Juanita, and Marion), and spending time with his grandchildren.
Orlando was predeceased by his parents and siblings, Louise, Peter, and Hugo. He is survived by his loving wife, Charlene; sons, Orlando Jr. and Joseph; daughters, Alice (Fred) Rumsey and Charlene Marie (Enda) Boggins; granddaughter, Amorica; great granddaughter, Molly; sister, Joanna Hitt; cousin, Walter Frati; nieces, Pam, Debbie, Jody, Theresa, and Lisa and many more nieces and nephews. We also would like to recognize brother-in-law, Dean LeBel; Sister-in-law, Helen Frati; Dave and Mary Hallowell, Rob Baker, Josh and Elizabeth Hayward and their daughters, Allie and Carly, Laura Thibideou and daughter, Maddie, Brett Soucy of Frank’s Bake Shop, Forest Grant and Ann, Gary Smith, and Tim Cotton.
Orlando’s family is so grateful for the compassionate care he received at Cancer Care, Palliative Care, and Hospice. A special thank you to Crystal and Lexi from Hospice for his daily care with tender loving care and to Chris for her support through this difficult time.
A memorial service will be held at the Bangor Masonic Center, 294 Union Street, Bangor at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 24, 2024. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments following the service. Those who wish to remember Orlando in a special way may make gifts to the Shriners Children’s Hospital Attn: Office of Development 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr. Tampa, FL 33607 or at Donate.lovetotherescue.org
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