William Albert Frascella, Jr., OD

Dr. William Albert Frascella, Jr. passed away on August 25, 2023.  Bill was born on July 25, 1934 in the Villa Park section of Trenton in the house in which he spent his childhood.  He graduated from Trenton Central High School in 1952 followed by Temple University and Pennsylvania College of Optometry.  He resided in Hamilton Township most of his adult life and enjoyed his work as  an Optometrist in private practice and as the Health Officer in Hamilton.   Bill was predeceased by his parents William and Lucy (Bencivengo) Frascella, his wife Loretta (Trotta) to whom he was married 54 years, his brother Albert Frascella and his wife Jean, and sisters- in -law and brothers-in-law, Marie Kobylarz, Chet and Georgie Buzzelli, and Phil and Marylou Trotto.   

Bill is survived by his children William III, Juda Lovelace and her husband Rich, his granddaughters, Amelia and Ella Lovelace, his brother and sister-in-law Bob and Fran Frascella, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Over his lifetime, Bill was a member of many organizations, most notably the San Felese Society, The American Legion, and the Knights of Columbus.   Bill was a very patriotic American who served in the Navy Reserves, flying on patrol blimps out of Lakehurst, NJ.  He also served in the Army Reserves as an MP in Fort Gordon, GA.  In more recent years, he served on the Board of Trustees of American Legion Post 414.  

Bill was proud of his Italian-American heritage.  From his mother, he learned to make many of the traditional Italian foods.  His ravioli, gnocchi, and biscotti were second to none.  

In his professional life, he served on the State Health Planning Board, and was both a member and chairman of the NJ Public Health Council, as well as president of the Mercer County Health Officers Association, and the Optometric Association.

In his younger days, Bill unwound by taking his boat out on the water.  He enjoyed being outside and playing with his nieces, nephews, and granddaughters in the water.  Other favorite pastimes were target practice at the shooting range, haggling at Columbus market, and watching Westerns.  He enjoyed dinners with family and friends with a good Manhattan.  He had an interest in cars and loved to drive.

Bill will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, endless optimism, and his ability to accept and navigate every challenge with courage and strength.   Above all, Bill was deeply loved and respected.  He was completely devoted to his family- both immediate and extended- and served as Loretta’s caregiver through many serious illnesses.  

Many friends referred to Bill as “Doc”, but his favorite title was Pop-Pop.   His granddaughters Amelia and Ella were the light of his life.   He never missed an opportunity to spend time with them.   He cherished his time spent with them playing and laughing. Bill’s passing leaves a deep void in his family.  They are grateful to have had him in their lives for so many years, and want to extend special thanks to his neighbors and his caregiver, Zack Wilson, who became his friend. 

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 31 from 9:00 – 11:00 A.M. at the Hamilton Brenna-Cellini Funeral Home, 2365 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road, Hamilton, NJ 08619 followed by the funeral mass at noon at St. Anthony’s Church, 626 South Olden Ave., Trenton, NJ.  Interment will take place at Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery, 400 Woolsey St., Trenton.

In Lieu of flowers, please donate in Bill’s memory to Easter Seals of NJ, 241 Forsgate Dr., Jamesburg, NJ 08831 or online at www.easterseals.com/nj  or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at www.stjude.org 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Albert Frascella, Jr., OD, please visit our floral store.