BLOOMFIELD HILLS (WWJ) Al Fracassa, the legendary high school football coach at Brother Rice in Bloomfield Hills, has died at the age of 92.
School officials said he died "peacefully at home" on Sunday, September 7.
Fracassa, who grew up on Detroit's east side and attended Michigan State University, spent more than five decades as head coach at the school. He won nine Michigan High School Athletic Association [MHSAA] state championships during that time.
"He was a quiet man, and a humble man, but a very sincere man," Pat Caputo, 97.1 The Ticket host, told WWJ. "So when he spoke, you just listened. He had a certain magnitude to him. When he was younger, he looked like a Roman god to a lot of the players."
He took his first head football coaching job at Royal Oak Shrine in 1960 and then moved to Brother Rice in 1962, where he stayed until he retired in 2013.
He had 430 career wins, the most in the state at the time of his retirement. He sent more than 300 players to college, with 13 making it to the NFL.
However, Caputo said those who loved Fracassa will remember him for his heart.
"He was just a really good man, a humble man, anyone would say that..." Caputo said. "He was revered by his players, revered."
Brother Rice also posted a statement on social media, reading in part: "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."
He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, of nearly 70 years, four children and many grandchildren.
Visitation will take place at St. Regis Catholic Church, 3695 Lincoln Rd (at Lahser), Thursday, September 11, 2025, 4-8pm. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Regis the following day, Friday, September 12, 2025, at 11am. Friends may visit at church beginning at 10am.