BLOOMFIELD HILLS — Tributes far and wide have poured in on the news of the passing this past Sunday of Al Fracassa, one of the winningest and most revered football coaches in Michigan high school history.
He was 92.
In a social media announcement by Brother Rice officials, Fracassa was described as “a legendary leader, mentor, and unwavering champion of the Brother Rice community.”
“For over five decades, Coach Fracassa was much more than just a coach; he was a cornerstone of our school. With a record that ranks among the best in Michigan and nationwide, he not only built winning teams but also shaped young men. His legacy is defined not just by championships, but by the character he instilled in his players,” the announcement from the school said.
In 53 years, Fracassa coached at Royal Oak Shrine (1960-66: 44-19-5) and then at Brother Rice (1968-2013: 386-98-2). His overall record of 430 wins is second best in state football prep annals. He won ten state championships and 21 Catholic High School League championships.
On a wintry, road-slicked morning in January 2014, he graciously allowed this writer 45 minutes for a chat, while insisting “I’m too busy right now” at the desk in his cramped, closet-sized office at Brother Rice, every square inch of which was covered with memorabilia from his coaching career.
A half-dozen athletes were waiting in the hallway to talk to him about their college futures. “I’m working to get my kids into college,” Fracassa said. “I’ve got about a dozen or so lined up for this year so far.” He sent over 300 players to college, including 13 who made it to the NFL.
Here are excerpts of our conversation with this remarkable gentleman:
“Students don’t care who you are, what you do, how important you are in society, but they care about you if you care for them. I think that’s the basic thing I would like to express. I believe you can get a whole lot accomplished in how you treat kids — anybody — even adults, if you put yourself in their place. Be honest with them.”
(About players at Shrine complaining about how hard he drove them), “I wanted to transmit a working-hard attitude, to be good football players, to be good people, to make something of yourselves. That was something I stressed. Harder you work, the luckier you get.”
(About why he remained at Brother Rice), “I enjoy the kids. They’re growing up. They need love and attention ... When I came here, I didn’t know if I made the right decision or not because I was happy at Shrine High School. I took a chance and still was uncomfortable for a year or two, then got better and better. When you win a lot, people think you’re a genius, but the kids on my team, they’re the ones who make you look good.”
(About his spiritual life): “I have a rosary with me all the time. (He pulls a rosary out of his pocket). When I’m on the football field, it’s in my pocket. I hold it in my hand. (Then he shows a plastic stone with the inscription, ‘Believe’). One of my grandsons gave it to me when I had gall bladder operation. I don’t pray for victory. I pray the Good Lord to take care of me on the sidelines and for the kids to play to their best ability. I don’t ask the Lord to take sides because they’re Catholic, too.”
Fracassa passed away peacefully at home Sept. 7, 2025. He was born Nov. 13, 1932, in Detroit.
Growing up on the east side, he graduated from Northeastern High School in 1951 where he starred in baseball and football. He was a member of the Michigan State Spartans Rose Bowl squad in 1954.
Fracassa served in the U.S. Army in 1956-57. In 1960, he began his coaching career at Royal Oak Shrine and in 1969 at Brother Rice.
His accolades include four Michigan Coach of the Year honors, National Coach of the Year, and NFL High School Coach of the Year (1997). In 1999, he was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame. In 2004, the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association awarded him the Jim Crowley Award.
Fracassa is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 70 years, Phyllis, his children, Rick Fracassa (Kay Cee), Dave Fracassa (Kelly), Kathy Connealy (Mick), and Suzy Fracassa, seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Romeo, Guido, and Angelo Fracassa.
Visitation will take place at St. Regis Catholic Church, 3695 Lincoln Road (at Lahser), Thursday, Sept. 11, from 4-8 m. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Regis the following day, Friday, Sept.12, at 11 a.m. Friends may visit at church beginning at 10 a.m.
Obituary may be viewed at Lynch and Sons, Clawson.
Contact Don Horkey at [email protected].
