Obituary

The Reverend Nicholas James Fratus

The Reverend Nicholas James Fratus, 47, died January 18, 2026, at his residence in DuBois, Pennsylvania.

Father Fratus was born on January 13, 1979, in Erie, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Robert L. Fratus and Heidi L. (Stewart) Fratus. He attended Millcreek Township Schools and graduated from McDowell Senior High School in 1997.

Father Fratus earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Gannon University in 2001 while in formation for the priesthood at Saint Mark Seminary, Erie. He attended major seminary at St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, MD where he began his studies in the Fall of 2001 before transferring to Christ the King Seminary in Buffalo, NY in 2003. Due to ongoing medical challenges, Father Fratus left seminary formation in the Spring of 2005. He later reentered St. Vincent Seminary in the Fall of 2018 where he completed his studies and received his Master of Divinity in May, 2022. After completing his formation, Fr. Fratus was ordained to the priesthood on May 27, 2022 by the Most Reverend Lawrence T. Persico, Bishop of Erie.

He began his priestly ministry as a Parochial Vicar for the parishes of Saint Gregory, North East; Saint George, Erie; and Our Lady of Peace, Erie. He also served as a Sacramental Assistant at Saint Peter Cathedral, Erie.

In August of 2025, Father Fratus was appointed Chaplain at Christ the King Manor, DuBois while at the same time serving in a special ministry to Penn Highlands DuBois Hospital. He was actively ministering at both until his death.

Fr. Fratus is survived by his brother and fellow Star Trek and sci-fi fan, Robert J. Fratus; Robert’s wife, Teresa L. (Ahlbrandt) Fratus; and nieces and nephew, Sarah Fratus and Nick and Gabi Gould. He is also survived by two uncles, Douglas “Duncle” Stewart and Daniel Fratus, and one aunt, Cheryl Fratus.

In addition to his parents, Father Fratus was preceded in death by his grandparents, Emmanual and Eleanor (Benecki) Fratus, Neilan and Elizabeth "Betty" (Francis) Stewart, and uncle, James Fratus.

“In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made on behalf of the family to the care of Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home & Crematory Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd., Erie, PA 16506.

Visitation will take place Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1626 W. 26th St., Erie, PA 16508 from 9:00 AM until the funeral Mass begins at 11:00 AM, with the Most Reverend Lawrence T. Persico, Bishop of Erie, as the main celebrant.

All arrangements were handled by:

Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home & Crematory Inc.

4216 Sterrettania Rd., Erie, PA 16506

814-838-7656

www.dusckasmartinfuneralhome.com