Susan Frate (née Visco) of Southampton, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026, at the age of 89.

Susan was born in Philadelphia to Pasquale Visco and Filomena Visco (née Siravo), devoted Italian immigrant parents who instilled in her the values of family, faith, and hard work. She grew up in North Philadelphia surrounded by a close-knit family and shared a deep, loving bond with her parents and siblings.

As a child, Susan spent her summers at Solly Brothers Farm alongside her mother and siblings, picking vegetables to help supplement the family income. Their father joined them on weekends, making those long summer days a time of shared labor, laughter, and lasting memories—experiences that shaped Susan's strong work ethic and appreciation for family togetherness.

Susan attended and graduated from Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls. After graduation, she worked in a series of secretarial positions. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Silvio Frate, in a chance encounter at a nightclub. Remarkably, although they had grown up just around the corner from one another, they had never met until that night. After only five months of dating, they became engaged and were married in September of 1957.

Susan welcomed her first child, Steven, in 1959, followed by Silvia in 1960, Sandra in 1961, and Sharon in 1965. Throughout her twenties, she devoted herself fully to motherhood, lovingly raising her growing family during a busy and fulfilling chapter of her life.

In 1969, Susan opened a women's clothing boutique called Susan's Place, marking her first venture into entrepreneurship. She owned and operated the shop for four years. After its closure, Silvio took over the location and opened 6th Street Discount Grocery.

In 1972, Susan and her family relocated to Bucks County, settling in the small town of Southampton, where Susan and Silvio raised their children. Susan created a warm, welcoming, and nurturing home for her family and friends. The Frate household was filled with energy, laughter, good food, lively celebrations, cherished holidays, Italian traditions and superstitions, countless family dinners, and unforgettable pool parties. Their home was always open, and everyone felt welcome.

In 1984, Susan and Silvio opened Silvio's Deli in Hatboro, Pennsylvania. As Silvio's health declined and following his passing, Susan courageously managed and operated the deli on her own until 1994. A savvy and determined businesswoman, she grew the deli into a successful and thriving establishment. Silvio's Deli remains in business to this day—a lasting legacy to her dedication and strength, and a point of pride for her family and the Hatboro community.

After taking an early retirement, Susan embraced life fully and traveled extensively. She delighted in multiple cruises and adventures abroad. She also enjoyed trips to Atlantic City and the Jersey Shore, eventually purchasing a condominium in Margate, New Jersey, where she spent many happy weekends enjoying the shore lifestyle.

As her children grew, married, and raised families of their own, Susan took great joy in her role as mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was devoted and ever-present for all of life's important milestones, celebrating each moment with love and pride.

Susan maintained a rich and active social life throughout the last 20 years of her life. She cherished her many friendships, especially the hours spent at the senior center playing Mahjong and dominoes. As her health declined, her friends continued to gather at her home, ensuring she was never without companionship or laughter. Susan's longevity can be attributed to her vibrant social life, her devoted family and friends, and her enduring zest for life.

Susan was the beloved wife of the late Silvio Frate and a loving mother to Steven (Teresa) Frate, Silvia (Leonard) Moffa, Sandra (Bradley) Benson, and Sharon (Martino) Iadonisi. She was a devoted grandmother to Leonard, Nicholas, Alexander, Danielle, Silvey, and Anthony, and a proud great-grandmother to ten great-grandchildren, an incredible legacy of a life truly well lived.

Susan was also the beloved sister of Mary Blank (née Visco) and was predeceased by her siblings, Pasquale and Rita Visco.

Friends and family are welcome to join in celebrating Susan's life on Saturday, January 31st, 2026, from 10:00am-11:00am with a Funeral Service to follow.