Justin John Fratantuono

Justin John Fratantuono, 32 of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

Born on August 13, 1993, in Baltimore, MD, was a son of Janine Fratantuono-Cox (List) and Gary Fratantuono.

Justin graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering. Shortly after graduating, he married his high school sweetheart at the Naval Academy Chapel.

During his time on active duty, Justin served as a submarine officer on the USS Kentucky (SSBN 737), based in Silverdale, Washington. He later began a shore duty assignment as a shift engineer on the USS Daniel Webster (MTS 626) at the Nuclear Power Training Unit (NPTU) in Charleston. After transitioning out of the military, Justin continued serving at NPTU as a project analyst for the Naval Nuclear Laboratory, where he utilized his leadership skills and technical expertise to contribute to our nation’s mission. Ever striving for growth, Justin went on to earn a Master of Business Administration from the University of South Carolina and a graduate certificate in Technical Project Management from The Citadel.

From a young age, Justin was passionate about sports, especially baseball, which he played throughout high school and later in a local softball league. At the Naval Academy, he developed a love for powerlifting, and in adulthood he enjoyed golf outings with his friends, brother, and father. He was also an enthusiastic college football fan, proudly cheering on the Navy Midshipmen.

Justin was well known for his warmth and hospitality, often welcoming friends into his home alongside his wife. He loved cooking, crafting cocktails, and creating memorable gatherings.

Above all, Justin was a devoted husband and father. His greatest joy came from time spent with his beloved wife and daughters. He adored snuggling with his newborn, Theodora, and cherished family trips to Disney World with his older daughter, Quinn. As Quinn’s passion for Irish dance grew, Justin eagerly became part of the community, even competing with her in a father-daughter figure dance.

Justin is preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Julia List and his paternal grandparents, Arthur “Otts” and Colleen Fratantuono.

Justin is survived by his wife, Emily Fratantuono; children, Quinn Julia and Theodora Mary Fratantuono; mother, Janine (Mike) Fratantuono-Cox; father, Gary (Kelly) Fratantuono; brother, Dominic Fratantuono and fiancee, Skyler; step siblings, Megan Cox and Michael Allen Cox; sister-in-law, Casey (Chris) Hudson; nephews, Harvey and Tripp; niece, Sage; and his father and mother-in-law, James and Patrice Sadler.

The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 26, 2025, at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, 1520 Rifle Range Road, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464. A prayer service will be held prior to visitation at 6:00 pm.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00am, on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at St Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, 990 Etiwan Park St, Charleston, SC 29492.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to a fund dedicated to his children's education: Justin and Emily’s Education Fund

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Mount Pleasant, 1520 Rifle Range Rd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464, 843-884-3833.