A much loved-figure who founded a popular Spalding ice cream businesses has died.
Mario Fragale (85), of Pinchbeck, passed away last week from stomach cancer.
He was particularly well known in Spalding for owning Domenic’s ice cream parlour in Red Lion Street.
He started the business in 1991 after being made redundant from Geest and son Eric says he loved meeting people through it.
“He had a great personality and just loved people,” Eric said. “He always used to find the best in people
“One thing he always talked about was the people he met in the shop, particularly the children he served who he said he could see growing up as they continued to come in year after year.”
Born in Calabria, southern Italy, Mario came to South Holland aged 19 looking for work where his sister had already emigrated to.
He worked in poultry moving to Geest in the early 60s where he remained for nearly 30 years.
He named Domenic’s ice cream parlour, which he ran for around 12 years, after his own dad. It continues to trade in Red Lion Street under different ownership as Marco’s.
Away from his work Mario also had a passion for gardening on his freeholding, a pastime he kept up right until he could no longer physically do so.
He leaves behind wife of 59 years Gemella, sons Leo and Eric, daughter Lisa Tuxford and six grandchildren.
Eric continued: “Dad was always there for my mum.
“I know he was as proud of the family he created here as we are as proud of him.
“He was always the square root of everything in the family; the manager and creative director
“Dad was also more than just a dad to me and the rest of the family.
“He was like a best mate to all of us.”
Mario’s funeral is to take place on February 11 at 10am at St Norbert’s Roman Catholic Church on St Thomas’s Road, Spalding.
