Today, we remember Peter Frates, a remarkable man who inspired millions around the globe. Heaven welcomed Pete on this day, a beloved husband to Julie, a devoted father to Lucy, and a cherished son to John and Nancy. Pete passed away peacefully at the age of 34, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous and lengthy battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Pete was more than just a man; he was a beacon of hope and an embodiment of resilience. His strength and unwavering positivity touched countless lives, making him an inspiration to people from all walks of life.
As a natural leader and the ultimate team player, Pete served as a role model, especially for young athletes. They admired his bravery and his ability to maintain a positive spirit even when facing immense adversity. He was a true fighter who encouraged everyone to utilize their talents to make a difference in the lives of others.
Despite the immense challenges of ALS, Pete never succumbed to complaint. Instead, he transformed his personal struggle into an opportunity to offer hope to fellow patients and their families. He dedicated his life to altering the course of a disease that, at the time of his diagnosis, lacked effective treatments or a cure. Through sheer determination and the unwavering support of Team Frate Train, Pete became the driving force behind the global phenomenon known as the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. This groundbreaking movement, launched in August 2014, revolutionized social media fundraising, generating donations worldwide. These funds significantly improved access to ALS care, facilitated crucial genetic discoveries, and propelled the development of new treatments, bringing the world closer to a potential cure. Pete became a symbol of hope for the entire ALS community and beyond.
Speaking on behalf of Julie, Lucy, John, Nancy, Jennifer, Andrew, and his extended family and numerous friends, we ask that you join us in celebrating Pete’s life and the enduring hope he instilled in so many. Let us all strive to live by his daily affirmation: “Be passionate, be genuine, be hardworking, and don’t ever be afraid to be great.”
As we prepare to lay Pete to rest, we kindly request privacy as we grieve this profound loss. For those wishing to express their sympathy, please consider donating to the Peter Frates Family Foundation, located at 21 Landers Drive, Beverly, MA 01915, or online at petefrates.com/donate. The Foundation is dedicated to supporting progressed ALS patients, enabling them to remain at home with their loved ones.
A funeral Mass honoring Pete’s life will be held on Friday, December 13, at 11:00 AM at St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish, 28 Commonwealth Ave., Chestnut Hill, MA, adjacent to the campus of his beloved Boston College. A celebration of Pete’s life will follow on Monday, December 16, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Mahoney Wellness Center, St. John’s Preparatory School, 72 Summer St., Danvers.
The Frates family expresses their deepest gratitude for the overwhelming outpouring of love, kindness, and support received over the past eight years.
Pete Frates: Milestones of an Inspirational Life
- May 2003: Graduates from St. John’s Prep, Danvers, MA.
- May 2007: Earns a degree in communication from Boston College.
- March 2012: Appointed director of baseball operations at Boston College.
- March 2012: Diagnosed with ALS at the young age of 27.
- June 1, 2013: Marries his loving wife, Julie Frates (nee Kowalik).
- August 2014: The Ice Bucket Challenge achieves global impact, raising over $220 million for ALS research.
- August 31, 2014: Welcomes his daughter, Lucy Frates, into the world.
- December 2014: Nominated for Time magazine’s “Person of the Year” alongside fellow ALS advocate Pat Quinn.
- 2014: Receives Sports Illustrated’s Inspiration of the Year honor as co-recipient.
- 2014: ESPN SportsCenter’s “Pete’s Challenge,” produced by Drew Gallagher BC ’99, is nominated for an Emmy Award.
- March 3, 2015: BC Baseball and the Boston Red Sox unite to wear No. 3 in Pete’s honor during their annual spring training game in Ft. Myers, FL.
- April 13, 2015: Signed an honorary contract with the Boston Red Sox on Opening Day.
- 2016: Jersey No. 3 retired by both BC Baseball & St. John’s Prep in honor of Pete Frates.
- 2016: St. John’s Prep baseball field renamed “Pete Frates ’03 Diamond”.
- 2016: Endicott College in Beverly, MA, inaugurates Pete Frates Hall.
- 2017: Honored with the NCAA Inspiration of the Year Award.
- June 2017: The Frates family donates Pete’s Ice Bucket Challenge bucket and memorabilia to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY.
- Sept. 5, 2017: Boston Mayor Marty Walsh declares “Pete Frates Day” in Boston.
- Sept. 5, 2017: The Ice Bucket Challenge biography is released, chronicling Pete’s journey and the movement he inspired.
- Dec. 2018: Netflix announces a production based on Pete’s inspiring biography.
- June 26, 2019: Boston College announces the naming of the Pete Frates Center as part of Phase II of the Harrington Athletics Village.
- Sept. 6, 2019: The Boston Red Sox present Pete with a custom 2018 World Series ring, a symbol of his enduring connection to the team and the city.
