Laura F. Frascogna

Laura was truly one of a kind. A woman born far before her time, she left her family home at age 18 to pursue adventure and independence, traveling the country as a roller derby star, nicknamed “Skinny Ryan.” She was small but scrappy, she’d tell us years later, as she recounted her winning bouts. She was beautiful and charismatic, and eventually she fell for Frank Frascogna, and they married in 1953.

Laura, who was widowed at the young age of 48, took on the matriarch role with her trademark strength and resilience. She worked hard in and out of the home; working in Elder Services for the Town of Brookhaven, a position she served in with pride for 20 years, dedicated to maintaining the safety and dignity of our elderly neighbors. She continued to raise her four children, whom she loved tremendously, and later, she showed the same love to their partners and to their children and grandchildren. While her children might periodically describe her as somewhat strict and no-nonsense, her grandchildren only ever saw the warm and fuzzy side to her, but we can all agree she loved family and friends deeply. She was a friend and confidante to many, and all of us are better for having known her.