Reno Jack (Rennie Frattura)
It is with profound sorrow that the family, loved ones, friends, and fans have lost Joseph Renaldo Frattura, also know as Reno Jack (The Bear). Rennie was known far and wide as a songwriter, story teller, poet, and creative and spiritual person.
He died at 63 on January 26, 2018 after a brief illness, but his music and the gigantic footprint of his spirit remain.
In recent years he became a published poet, as he pursued his musical dream of recording, producing, touring, writing, and performing. The creative spark has been driving him since he was 14 years old, and continued even through his final his illness, during which he wrote a number of poems.
His musical career took him to Europe, across Canada (many times!), and most recently to Nashville and Memphis. He was a collector of stories and he always encouraged anyone who crossed his path to pursue their dreams – go back to school, play an instrument, or whatever it was that moved them. He was very generous with his time, spirit, and guidance; he often bought instruments at garage sales so he could pass them on to someone he thought might benefit from music in their life.
Reno delighted in any number of musical genres (classical, rockabilly, blues, country, and more), was proficient on many instruments (most notably the upright bass), and loved to discuss the history of musical forms (he was very well versed in music history).
He followed his passion for music throughout his life, and everywhere he lived he became a recognizable figure, and a genuine part of the community.
He was born (February 17, 1954) and raised in Salmon Arm, B.C., and spent the last five years of his life in Atikokan with Sunday wilde (a.k.a. Ange Sponchia), after thirty years in Toronto. He leaves behind many loved ones whom he touched with his musical talents.
One of his last messages was he was grateful for music, so in lieu of cards or flowers, please go see live music, make a donation to the Atikokan Teen Centre, and/or support the music he has left behind by requesting it on the radio or purchasing it. A private wake will be held at a later date.
The post Obituary: Reno Jack (Rennie Frattura) appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.
