[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 29 (Thursday, February 12, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E263]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN HONOR OF THE LIFE OF FRANCESCO ``KID'' FRATALIA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. STEPHEN F. LYNCH

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 12, 2009

  Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Francesco ``Kid'' 
Fratalia, in recognition of his remarkable life and outstanding career 
in the boxing ring.
  Born in 1926 in his beloved hometown of Citivavecchia, Italy, ``Kid'' 
Fratalia, nicknamed by his dear friend Rocky Marciano, began his 
amateur career in 1939 at age 13. As an amateur welterweight, Fratalia 
had 81 fights in a 10-year period, during which time he became the 
regional state champion of Lazio, Italy, from 1946 to 1948, and was 
selected to represent his country in the Olympic Games. He celebrated 
the joy and endured the agony of a boxing career that stretched 15 
years and spanned 3 decades, included 112 fights, and covered 2 
continents.
  Fratalia's professional career led him to the United States in 1949, 
specifically, to Brockton, Massachusetts, where he met and began a 
lifelong friendship with the legendary Rocky Marciano. More importantly 
in 1949, he met the love of his life, Gloria Vena, of Roxbury. Within 
55 days they married and subsequently raised 6 wonderful children; 
Ernest, Vincent, Stephen, Francesca, Robert, and Christopher.
  ``Kid'' Fratalia's American experience included noteworthy undercard 
bouts, once to a Joe Louis main event and twice to Rocky Marciano's 
main events. He returned to fight in Europe in 1951, and in that year 
solidified his reputation as a fighter's fighter. But it was to 
America, his new home, that he returned in 1952, to complete his career 
and raise his family.
  When all was said and done, ``Kid'' Fratalia battled his way to 92 
wins against 14 losses, along with 6 draws. In his 112 amateur and 
professional fights, one thing was certain: he emptied his bucket every 
time; there was nothing left when the final bell rang. For ``Kid'' 
Fratalia, a true warrior, win, lose or draw, it was about effort and 
valor in the face of a challenge. In October of 2008, Francesco ``Kid'' 
Fratalia was inducted into the Massachusetts Ring 4 Boxing Hall of 
Fame. Bestowed by his peers, this recognition was an honor that he and 
his family were deeply proud of, and that he cherished to the end.
  The real winners in this remarkable life and career were ``Kid's'' 
family and friends, both home and abroad, who were so very proud of 
him. Hard work, fearless determination, respect for others and 
unwavering devotion to family was what mattered most to him.
  Francesco ``Kid'' Fratalia was truly a man to be reckoned with, a man 
to emulate, a man to respect, a man to fear, a father and husband to 
love, a true friend to count on in time of need and a man of character 
and uncommon kindness. His gifts of family values and his tireless work 
ethic truly defined him as a man and will be his lasting legacy.
  Francesco ``Kid'' Fratalia passed away on Tuesday, December 9, 2008. 
He and his kind spirit will never be forgotten.
  Madam Speaker, in closing, I offer this; to ``Kid'' Fratalia others 
of his time and era, may you rest in the eternal peace and light of the 
Almighty. We thank you for making this world a more interesting and 
better place.

                          ____________________