William J Frascella

     William J Frascella died June 9, 2025, at the Ernestine M Raclin House of complications from Primary Myelofibrosis. 

     Survivors include his wife Cynthia Frascella; daughters Kristin (Giovanni Vigna) Frascella and Nina Lafuente. His grandchildren are Arielle Lafuente (Mike Paolini), Diego Frascella, Luca Vigna and Leo Vigna. He is also survived by his sister Carol Cassie. 

     Preceding Bill in death are his daughters Sarah and Maria Frascella. 

     Bill and his sister Carol were born in Brooklyn, New York.  When Bill was fourteen, the family moved to Los Angeles where he lived until enrolling in Loyola Marymount University. Bill loved the Jesuit education he received there, and after graduation he enrolled in graduate school at the University of Notre Dame. From Notre Dame he received two PhDs, one in mathematics and one in philosophy. 

     Bill taught mathematics at Indiana University South Bend from 1971 until his retirement in 2006.  During his tenure at IUSB he took on several exciting projects including a two-year position with the National Science Foundation in Washington DC where he was Director of NSF’s Division of Elementary, Secondary & Informal Education (ESIE). He also served as the Project Director for the Indiana Mathematics Initiative which served over 560 teachers in twelve Indiana school corporations. Bill lived abroad for one year in Malaysia where he served as chair of the IU Shah-Alam Department of Mathematics and Computer Sciences. After returning to IUSB Bill became Director of Graduate Studies for Liberal Arts and Sciences from 1987-1990. He was also instrumental in the development of the Master of Liberal Studies Program and served as its first director. 

     Bill enjoyed travel, reading, movies, fine dining and wine. He also loved the stage and had many roles as an actor in local theatre having studied at the Actors’ Studio in Chicago. Those who knew him well can attest to his love of good conversation and the exchange of ideas. In his later years he found joy and fulfillment in his Tuesday Talkers discussion group, Bob’s Book Club and the  Midwest Museum of American Art lecture series. Save a seat for Bill at the table for the Thursday lunch group and a front row seat at the Wednesday movie group. 

     The family wishes to thank the staff at the Ernestine M Raclin House for their excellent care of Bill during his final days. 

     A memorial gathering is planned for a later date. 

     Donations may be made to: Midwest Museum of American Art, 429 S Main St, Elkhart, Indiana 46516, and Meow Mission, PO Box 192 Mishawaka, Indiana 46546

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